"We want the calculations made before we set the boys to dig." "Then why didn't you give me them when I was doing nothing this afternoon?" Jake inquired. "I hadn't got the plans ready." "Just so. You haven't had things ready for me until after dinner all this week. As you're a methodical fellow that's rather strange. Still, if you really want the job finished, I'll have to do my best, but I'm going out first for a quarter of an hour." "You needn't," Dick said dryly. "If you mean to tell the engineer not to wait, he's gone. I sent him off some time since." "Of course you had a right to send him off," Jake replied in an injured tone. "But I don't quite think----" "You know what your father pays for coal. Have you reckoned what it costs to keep a locomotive two or three hours for the purpose of taking you to Santa Brigida and back?" "I haven't, but I expect the old man wouldn't stand for my running a private car," Jake admitted. "However, it's the only way of getting into town." "You were there three nights last week. What's more, you tried to draw your next month's wages. That struck me as significant, though I'd fortunately provided against it." "So I found out. I suppose I ought to be grateful for your thoughtfulness but can't say I am. I wanted the money because I had a run of wretched luck." "At the casino?" "No," said Jake, shortly. "Then you were at Kenwardine's; I'll own that's what I wanted to prevent. He's a dangerous man and his house is no place for you." "One would hardly expect you to speak against him. Considering everything, it's perhaps not quite in good taste." Dick put down the drawing-board and looked at him steadily. "It's very bad taste. In fact, I find myself in a very awkward situation. Your father gave me a fresh start when I needed it badly, and agreed when your sister put you in my charge." "Ida's sometimes a bit officious," Jake remarked. "Well," Dick continued, "I promised to look after you, and although I didn't know what I was undertaking, the promise must be kept. It's true that Kenwardine afterwards did me a great service; but his placing me under an obligation doesn't relieve me from the other, which I'd incurred first." Somewhat to his surprise, Jake nodded agreement. "No, not from your point of view. But what makes you think Kenwardine _is_ dangerous?" "I can't answer. You had better take it for granted that I know what I'm talking about, and keep away from him." "As a matter of fact, it was Miss Kenwardine to whom you owed most," Jake said meaningly. "Do you suggest that she's dangerous, too?" Dick frowned and his face got red, but he said nothing, and Jake resumed: "There's a mystery about the matter and you know more than you intend to tell; but if you blame the girl for anything, you're absolutely wrong. If you'll wait a minute, I'll show you what I mean."