"Is she his niece?" "I believe so. My father lived at Los Angeles and the Berrys were often at our house. My father seemed thick with Berry, and, to tell you the truth, rather afraid of him. He died a year or so ago, and by his will I was handed over to Berry on account of this fortune. I was shunted here to look after it, but if the getting of it includes the chance of a man being lynched--I pass. I don't need to hang on to this gang, as I've enough to marry on. Berry can go to blazes for me. I sha'n't recognise his guardianship any longer." "I don't see that you ever needed him as a guardian," said Eustace. "You appear to be well able to look after yourself." "So I am. Berry thinks I'm weak. So I am. And good-natured. So I am. But there's a line I don't pass, and he's skipped across it. I don't have anything more to do with him, and so I said." "Has he any control over the money you possess?" "I reckon not. It's all my own, and I don't let him, or anyone else, interfere. I'll just cut back to the States, I guess." Eustace thought for a moment. "Tell me, Mr. Denham, did Berry or your father say anything about that Scarlet Bat on your arm?" "No!" Natty stopped short and stared. "You saw that when I was bathing, I expect. I was stolen by Indians, so my father told me, and they tattooed the mark. I was a kid then, and don't remember anything about it. And the queer thing is," added Denham, "that all London is placarded with the Bat." "And with the word Tamaroo. Do you know what that means?" "I guess not. But you do. See here, Jarman, you're up to some game?" Eustace nodded. "On behalf of Lancaster," he said. "And on your behalf also. You are in danger!" Natty stared. "Danger! What do you mean?" "I'll tell you that later. We must have a talk when we get in." "All right," agreed the American, with a keen glance. "I'm glad I dropped across you, as I don't trust the Berrys a cent now. I always thought there was something queer about the fortune business. But before I enter your house I have to deliver a letter to Miss Starth!" "Ah!" said Eustace, quickly, "from Miss Berry?" "Yes. How the deuce did you know?" "I know a great deal," replied Eustace, drily, "and I hope to know more. I'm glad you have been frank with me, Denham. I may be able to help you a lot. No, don't ask questions now. Deliver your letter, and when you come to me we can have a talk. There's the road up to the cottage. _Au revoir_ for an hour." Denham went away directly, but he looked puzzled as he flung a parting glance at Jarman. That gentleman walked on, wondering at the lucky chance which had caused Denham to change towards Berry and his fair niece. He might learn much by dexterous questions. And Denham really seemed to have good principles, when he had revolted so completely against his tyrant. Altogether, things were shaping well, and Eustace chuckled.