"
"Another man who was asking after you," Deane remarked, "was Littleson.
He was dining here last night."
Vine smiled.
"I can imagine," he said, "his being curious as to my whereabouts. I
have taken rooms where I don't think any one is likely to find me out
except by accident."
Deane rose.
"I think," he said, "we had better go downstairs. The ladies will be
wondering what has become of us. My wife is expecting a young woman in
this evening whom I think you know--Stella Duge."
Vine started slightly.
"Yes," he said, "I have met Miss Duge often in New York."
CHAPTER V
A QUESTION OF COURAGE
Stella turned towards him with a slight frown upon her forehead.
"Do you mean, Norris, then, that after all you will not use your power
over these men, that you will let them go free?"
"Not if I can help it," he answered, "but there are many things to be
considered. I shall be guided largely by what Deane advises."
"It is absurd," she declared. "You have wanted money all your life,
money and power. You have both now in your grasp. If you do not use
them, I shall think--"
She hesitated. He shrugged his shoulders slightly.
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