By way of diverting
attention from the cause of this altered appearance, Mr. Duncan
began to complain of overwork, and to hint that he might have
to travel for his health. It occurred to him privately that
circumstances might arise which would make it necessary for him
to go to Canada for a lengthened period.
With his secret in the possession of such a man as Tony Denton,
he could not feel safe. Besides, he suspected the keeper
of the billiard-room would not feel satisfied with the thousand-
dollar bond he had extorted from him, but would, after awhile,
call for more.
In this he was right.
Scarcely a week had elapsed since his first visit, when the
servant announced one morning that a man wished to see him.
"Do you know who it is, Mary?" asked the squire.
"Yes, sir. It's Tony Denton."
Prince Duncan's face contracted, and his heart sank within him.
He would gladly have refused to see his visitor, but knowing
the hold that Tony had upon him, he did not dare offend him.
"You may tell him to come in," he said, with a troubled look.
"What can the master have to do with a man like that?"
thought Mary, wondering.
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