Troubled as she was, Nancy smiled, for the voice told her that curiosity was stronger than reason, and that at heart it pleased her to know that Jagger would not shirk the adventure. A moment later a shiver ran through her, and her heart beat painfully as she pictured a struggle between two strong men in that lonely ravine. A bank of clouds quenched the light of the young moon, and with her imagination quickened by the darkness that wrapped her round, the vision became so real that she almost screamed, and the sound in her throat roused her. “You silly fool!” she said aloud. “You’re getting hysterical. Stir yourself!” She went over to the window and endeavoured to look out, but there was little to be seen except a few faint stars and the black outline of earth that touched the sky. “I’ll have it out with him,” she determined. “I’ll tell him we’d better separate. He’s got most of the money, and that’s all he cares about. It’ll be a relief to us both!” The decision steadied her. “I may as well go to bed,” she continued, “but I’ll keep the bolt on the door. He’ll be fit to choke me when he comes home if he’s happened across Jagger!” Meantime Jagger, having taken rapid counsel with himself and Hannah, had determined to consult his father, who had already gone upstairs and was ready for bed. “I thought I heard voices beneath t’ window,” he remarked when Jagger had told his story. “And what do you reckon to make out o’ t’ job?” “I make naught out,” he replied firmly, “but I’ll go and see what’s to be made out on t’ spot.” “Then you’ve no theory?” Maniwel was drawing on his trousers as he spoke; and instead of answering Jagger inquired what his father was dressing for. “’Cause I’m going wi’ you,” he replied; “and it’s as Nancy says, there’s no time to lose.” “_You_ going?” Jagger asked in amazement. “What call is there for you to go? You don’t think I’m afraid o’ t’ chap, do you? I shall be easier i’ my mind if you’re safe i’ bed.” “I’m going wi’ you,” his father repeated. “There’s things to be said ’at it’ll save time to say on t’ road.” “But——” began Jagger. He was uneasy at the thought of leaving his father below whilst he climbed the rocks. “There’s no ‘buts’ about it, lad. You ought to know by this time ’at your father’s bad to shift when he’s made his mind up. You’ll maybe none be sorry ’at t’ old man went wi’ you before t’ night’s out!” Jagger made no further remonstrance, and a few minutes later the two men left the house, after instructing Hannah to keep a light in the kitchen for another half hour and then go to bed. The door-key Maniwel put in his pocket. “Then you can’t fairly reckon t’ job up?” he asked again when the last house on the Gordel Road had been left behind. “Can you?” Jagger replied.