"It's natural," said Carroll, with a sympathetic smile. "I've now and then felt much the same thing; it's probably unavoidable in a world like this. However, I think you ought to call upon Miss Chisholm, after I've gone, though you had better not mention that I sent you. You can say you came for news of Vane--and add anything you consider necessary." The girls looked at one another, and at length, though it obviously cost her a struggle, Kitty said to Celia firmly: "We will have to go." Then she faced round towards Carroll. "If Miss Chisholm won't believe us she'll be sorry we came." Carroll made her a slight inclination. "She'll deserve it, if she's not convinced. But it might be better if you didn't approach her in the mood you're in just now." Kitty rose, signing to Celia, and he turned back with them towards the city, feeling a certain constraint in their company and yet conscious of a strong relief. It had grown dark when he returned to Nairn's house. "Where have ye been?" his host inquired. "I had a clerk seeking ye all round the city. I cannot get ye a boat before the morn." Carroll saw that Mrs. Nairn shared her husband's desire to learn how he had been occupied. Evelyn was also in the room. "There were one or two little matters that required attention, and I managed to arrange them satisfactorily," he said. "Among other things, I've got a tug and I expect to sail in an hour or two. Miss Horsfield found me the vessel." He noticed Evelyn's interest, and was rather pleased to see it. If she were disposed to be jealous of Jessie, it could do no harm. Nairn, however, frowned. "I'm thinking it might have been better if ye had not troubled Jessie," he commented. "I'm sorry I can't agree with you," Carroll retorted. "The difference between this evening and noon to-morrow is a big consideration." "Weel," said Nairn resignedly, "I canna deny that." Carroll changed the subject, but some time later Mrs. Nairn sat down near him in the temporary absence of her husband and Evelyn. "We will no be disturbed for two or three minutes," she said. "Ye answered Alec like a Scotsman before supper and put him off the track, though that's no so easy done." "You're too complimentary," he declared. "The genuine Caledonian caution can't be acquired by outsiders. It's a gift." "I'll no practise it now," said the lady. "Ye'er no so proud of yourself for nothing. What have ye been after?" Carroll crossed his finger tips and looked at her over them. "Since you ask the question, I may say this: If Miss Chisholm has two lady visitors during the next few days, you might make sure she sees them." "What are their names?" "Miss Hartley, the daughter of the prospector who sent Vane off to look for the timber; Miss Blake who, as you have probably heard, once came down the west coast with him, in company with an elderly lady and myself." Mrs. Nairn started; then she looked thoughtful, and finally broke into a smile of open appreciation.