Is that what you are asking permission to do ?" "Thanks," he returned dryly; and to Alixe: "If you are ready, Gerald and I will take you over to the _Niobrara_ in the motor-boat--" "Oh, no, you won't!" broke in Neergard with a sneer--"you'll mind your own business, my intrusive friend, and I'll take care of my guests without your assistance." Selwyn appeared not to hear him: "Come on, Gerald," he said pleasantly; "Mrs.Ruthven is going over to the _Niobrara_--" "For God's sake," whispered Gerald, white as a sheet, "don't force me into trouble with Neergard." Selwyn turned on him an astonished gaze: "Are you _afraid_ of that whelp ?" "Yes," muttered the boy--"I--I'll explain later.

But don't force things now, I beg you." Mrs.Ruthven coolly leaned over and spoke to Gerald in a low voice; then, to Selwyn, she said with a smile: "Rosamund and I are going to Brookminster, anyway, so you and Gerald need not wait.

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