“Can you tell me anything more?” she asked.

“Yes,” he said.  “I feel I ought to tell somebody, because it may turn out rather a serious undertaking.  One reason for choosing you is that it’s a complicated and unlikely tale.”

“And you thought I would believe where others might doubt?”

Foster bowed.  “I did hope something of the kind.  I don’t know if I was too venturesome.  But if you’ll listen——­”

She gave him a curious look and he began by telling her of the tragedy at the Hulton mill and Lawrence’s meeting the supposititious watchman.  Then he related how he had been tracked through the hills, and explained the conclusions he had arrived at when the light first dawned on him as he puzzled out the matter by the peat stack.  She said nothing until he finished, but he thought she looked somewhat moved.

“But wouldn’t it be better to leave the thing to the police?” she asked.

“No,” said Foster, smiling.  “To begin with, they might suspect me; one understands they’re not very credulous people and it would take some time to prove my statements.  Then, if they weren’t very careful, they’d frighten the Newcastle man away, while I might, so to speak, catch him off his guard.”

“It sounds plausible; but I think you have a better reason.”

“If I have, it’s to some extent temperamental; a natural reaction after leading a sober life,” Foster said humorously.  “There’s a charm in trying to do something that’s really beyond your mark and ought to be left to somebody else.”

“It’s possible; but I’m not satisfied yet.”

Foster hesitated.  “After all, it might be better to keep the police off Daly’s track until I’ve seen him.  He might make trouble for Lawrence if he was arrested, but I don’t think this counts for much.  You would be nearer the mark if you took it for granted that I’m naturally rash and can’t resist a chance of adventure.”

They had walked round the orchard, and reached the arch again, but Alice stopped.

“So it seems,” she said in a quiet voice that nevertheless gave a Foster a thrill.  “The charm of rashness is a favorite subject of yours.”

“It’s better that your friends should understand you,” Foster replied modestly.

“One must admit that you live up to the character you give yourself.  First you plunged into difficulties to keep a promise you should not have made, then you undertook to baffle a dangerous man because your partner needed help, and now I think you are going to face a very serious risk.”

Foster, who felt embarrassed, said nothing, and Alice gave him her hand.

“I am glad you have been frank with me, and if my wish can bring you good fortune, it will be yours.  You will do your best, I know; but be careful and come back safe!”

Foster had kissed her hand on another occasion, but durst not do so now.  He was conscious of a keen emotional stirring and thought the girl felt some strain.  There was a hint of suppressed feeling in her voice that sapped his self-control, and he thought it was because she trusted and liked him her manner had a certain touch of pride.