CHAPTER IX

"YOU UNDERSTAND"

"Here's Tempest to see you, honey."

Jennifer unlocked the door of Ducane's study and came out reluctantly, holding it shut behind her. Her face was white and her eyes startled; and Dick, standing out in the night behind Tempest, knew why in a swift flash of intuition, and cursed the five hours which had passed since Slicker brought her home. But here he was the under-officer only, locked silently back into the law which bound him, and he saluted her and stood still while Tempest took her hand.

"I have come on a disagreeable errand," said Tempest. "But I would have had to come earlier if court cases hadn't detained us. I am sorry to say that it is necessary for us to take charge of and look through your husband's private papers, Mrs. Ducane."

"Haven't I the right to forbid this?" asked Jennifer, and gripped the door-handle tighter.

"I'm afraid not. Under the circumstances I must request you——"

"Isn't command the better word?" retorted Jennifer.

From behind Tempest Dick watched the light in her eyes and her face with approval. He had always known that she had plenty of courage.

"Perhaps so," said Tempest. "But I would like you to remember that I too am the commanded, and not the commander. I am sorry to say that it is quite necessary that I should have access to those papers, Mrs. Ducane."

His manner was courteous as usual; but it was changed. He seemed to speak from the lips only, with his mind drawn back to struggle with some dearly-loved problem which he could not solve. Already Jennifer had faced him for a few official minutes in the Grey Wolf court-room,