Pen laughed too. "In the full moonlight!" she exclaimed. She was secretly relieved. If Keesing had overheard their talk he would of course have repeated it.
"I told you there was nothing in it," said Riever.
"If I was ... friendly with him, do you think I'm the sort of person to give him up?" demanded Pen.
"Certainly not ... But Keesing said after he had recognized Counsell, there was nothing else for you to do."
"If I'd wanted to save the other man I could have shot Keesing," said Pen boldly.
Riever stared. "Well ... I believe you are capable of it," he muttered. That at least was honest.
Pen followed up her advantage quickly. "Obviously a crude attempt to get the reward for himself," she said.
"That's what I thought ... But Keesing clearly understood that there was nothing in it for him, anyway. He didn't bring the man in."
Pen's heart sank. She was making no progress whatever. He would agree with everything she said, and act according to his own secret motives. She was determined to drag these out into the light.
"Well, what are you going to do about it?" she asked bluntly.
"Why, nothing!" he said with an air of surprise.
"I mean about the money," said Pen firmly.
He averted his head. "What do you want so much money for?" he muttered.
"What does anybody want money for?" said Pen. "Thousands of things!"
He came towards her eagerly. "Tell me what they are," he stuttered. "Anything ... anything money will buy! You have only to name it!"
"I can't take gifts from you," said Pen coldly. "I've earned this money, haven't I? You promised it."
"I don't go back on my promises," he muttered.
"But just at the moment I haven't it by me."
Pen thought: "It's all over!" And tasted despair.
He went on more glibly: "One's money gets all tied up you know. And I've been under heavy expenses. Of course I can arrange it when I get back to town. I'll bring it to you myself. Just as soon as I can get this ugly business off my hands. It won't take long. Popular opinion demands that the man be tried speedily. And I can set certain influences at work. I fancy the trial will be brief. In six weeks you can expect to see me back again.... And under much happier circumstances I trust. I'm afraid at present you have certain doubts of me. Almost a dislike. This has been such a beastly business! When I come back my whole aim will be to remove your doubts. To show you what I really am. And what you mean to me. Thank God! time is on my side!"