long time in America, and this probably was one of
his American friends.

After they had taken out two of the parcels and
placed them at the back of the motor, Anna suddenly
bethought herself of what Alfred Head had said to
her. "Give me, please," she said, "the money which
to me since January 1st owing has been. Fifty shillings --
two pound ten it is."

"I know nothing of that," said the man curtly. "I
have had no instructions to pay you any money, Mrs.
Bauer."

Anna felt a rush of anger come over her. She was
not afraid of this weasel-faced little man. "Then the
other two parcels take away you will not," she exclaimed.
"To that money a right I have!"

They were facing each other in the low-ceilinged,
dim, badly-lit bedroom. The stranger grew very red.

"Look here!" he said conciliatingly; he was really
in a great hurry to get away. "I promise to send you
this money tonight, Mrs. Bauer. You can trust me.
I have not got it on me, truly. You may search me if
you like." He smiled a little nervously, and advancing
towards her opened his big motor coat.

Anna shrank back. "You truly send it will?" she
asked doubtfully.

"I will send it to Hegner for you. Nay, more ----
I will give you a piece of paper, and then Hegner will
pay you at once." He tore a page out of his pocket-
book, and scribbled on it a few words.

She took the bit of paper, folded it, and put it in her
purse.

As they were conveying the third oddly-shaped parcel
through the kitchen, she said conciliatingly, "Curi-

[[313]]

p312 _ -chap- _ toc-1 _ p313w _ toc-2 _ +chap+ _ p314

v?