It looked as if he was willing to betray her if he could get a good price.

For all that, Thirlwell saw that he must find out the plot and lay still behind the thicket, watching the lad.

Drummond's pose was easy and his voice was calm.

He had not lighted the cigar Stormont gave him, and now and then twisted it round carelessly.
"Very well," Stormont resumed.

"As I've got to bid against Thirlwell, I'll risk five hundred dollars: two hundred and fifty now.