It was then that Bateman had broached the scheme which during the afternoon had formed itself in his brain. The firm, founded by his father, in which he was now a partner, a firm which manufactured all manner of motor vehicles, was about to establish agencies in Honolulu, Sidney, and Wellington; and Bateman proposed that himself should go instead of the manager who had been suggested. He could return by Tahiti; in fact, travelling from Wellington, it was inevitable to do so; and he could see Edward. "There's some mystery and I'm going to clear it up. That's the only way to do it." "Oh, Bateman, how can you be so good and kind?" she exclaimed. "You know there's nothing in the world I want more than your happiness, Isabel." She looked at him and she gave him her hands. "You're wonderful, Bateman. I didn't know there was anyone in the world like you. How can I ever thank you?" "I don't want your thanks. I only want to be allowed to help you." She dropped her eyes and flushed a little. She was so used to him that she had forgotten how handsome he was. He was as tall as Edward and as well made, but he was dark and pale of face, while Edward was ruddy. Of course she knew he loved her. It touched her. She felt very tenderly towards him. It was from this journey that Bateman Hunter was now returned. The business part of it took him somewhat longer than he expected and he had much time to think of his two friends. He had come to the conclusion that it could be nothing serious that prevented Edward from coming home, a pride, perhaps, which made him determined to make good before he claimed the bride he adored; but it was a pride that must be reasoned with. Isabel was unhappy. Edward must come back to Chicago with him and marry her at once. A position could be found for him in the works of the Hunter Motor Traction and Automobile Company. Bateman, with a bleeding heart, exulted at the prospect of giving happiness to the two persons he loved best in the world at the cost of his own. He would never marry. He would be godfather to the children of Edward and Isabel, and many years later when they were both dead he would tell Isabel's daughter how long, long ago he had loved her mother. Bateman's eyes were veiled with tears when he pictured this scene to himself. Meaning to take Edward by surprise he had not cabled to announce his arrival, and when at last he landed at Tahiti he allowed a youth, who said he was the son of the house, to lead him to the Hotel de la Fleur. He chuckled when he thought of his friend's amazement on seeing him, the most unexpected of visitors, walk into his office. "By the way," he asked, as they went along, "can you tell me where I shall find Mr. Edward Barnard?" "Barnard?" said the youth. "I seem to know the name." "He's an American. A tall fellow with light brown hair and blue eyes. He's been here over two years." "Of course. Now I know who you mean. You mean Mr Jackson's nephew." "Whose nephew?"