“Yes, I remember,” said Dunn slowly.  “I remember.  What would be in it?  The same sort of thing that was in—­that other?”

“Yes,” answered Deede Dawson.  “Much the same.”

“I shall want to see for myself,” said Dunn.  “I’m a trustful sort of person, but I don’t go driving about the country with packing-cases late at night unless I’ve seen for myself what’s inside.”

CHAPTER XXII

PLOTS AND PLAYS

“Very wise of you,” yawned Deede Dawson.  “That’s just what Ella said—­what’s that?”

For instinctively Dunn had raised his hand, but he lowered it again at once.

“Oh, cut the cackle,” he said impatiently.  “Tell me what you want me to do, and make it plain, very plain, for I can tell you there’s a good deal about all this I don’t understand, and I’m not inclined to trust you far.  For one thing, what are you after yourself?  Where do you come in?  What are you going to get?  And there’s another thing I want to say.  If you are thinking of playing any tricks on me don’t do it, unless you are ready to take big risks.  There’s only one man alive who ever made a fool of me, and his name is Rupert Dunsmore, and I don’t think he’s today what insurance companies call a good risk.  Not by any manner of means.”  He paused to laugh harshly.  “Let’s get to business,” he said.  “Look here, how do I know you mean all you say about Rupert Dunsmore?  What’s he to you?”

“Nothing,” answered Deede Dawson promptly.  “Nothing.  But there’s some one I’m acting for to whom he is a good deal.”

“Who is that?” Dunn asked sharply.

“Do you think I’m going to tell you?” retorted the other, and laughed in his cold, mirthless manner.  “Perhaps you aren’t the only one who owes him a grudge.”

“That’s likely enough, but I want to know where I’m standing,” said Dunn.  “Is this unknown person you say you are acting for anxious to bring about Rupert Dunsmore’s death?”

“I’m not answering any questions, so you needn’t ask them,” replied Deede Dawson.

“But I will tell you that there’s something big going on.  Or I shouldn’t be in it, I don’t use my brains on small things, you know.  If it comes off all right, I—­” He paused, and for once a thrill of genuine emotion sounded in his voice.  “Thousands,” he said abruptly.  “Yes, and more—­more.  But there’s an obstacle—­Rupert Dunsmore.  It’s your place to remove him.  That’ll suit you, and it’ll mean good pay, as much as you like to ask for in reason.  And Ella, if you want her.  The girl won’t be any use to me when this is over, and you can have her if you like.  I don’t think she’ll object from what I can see—­not that it would matter if she did.  So there you are.  Put Rupert Dunsmore out of the way and it’ll be the best day’s work you’ve ever done, and you shall have Ella into the bargain—­if you claim her.  Makeweight.”