The Pit-Prop Syndicate. Freeman Wills Crofts

for a few moments, then burst out:

      ‘Well, hang it all, man, what do you suggest?’

      During the evening an idea had occurred to Hilliard and he returned to it now.

      ‘I’ll tell you,’ he answered slowly, and instinctively he lowered his voice. ‘I’ll tell you what we must do. We must see their steamer loaded. I’ve been thinking it over. We must see what, if anything, goes on board that boat beside pit-props.’

      Merriman only grunted in reply, but Hilliard, realising his condition, was satisfied.

      And Merriman, lying awake that night on the port locker of the Swallow, began himself to realise his condition, and to understand that his whole future life and happiness lay between the dainty hands of Madeleine Coburn.