human
Look! she cried.
gpt
The woman is La Rue. And the man--the man is Enright! He is the lawyer I told you of, the one whose hand is not clear in this affair. And he is here!
human
Good! Westcott exclaimed.
gpt
I'm glad they're both here. It means that there will be more to observe, and it means that there will be action--and that, too, quick! They are out here for a definite purpose which must soon be disclosed. And, Miss Donovan, I may be a little rock-worn and a little bit out of style, but I think their presence here has something to do with the whereabouts of Fred Cavendish.
human
You think he is alive then? she said earnestly.
gpt
It is an interesting hypothesis. Perhaps--perhaps he may be in this neighbourhood, even. And that, she added, her Irish eyes alight,
human
I hadn't finished my argument when that carriage appeared, Westcott answered.
gpt
Do you remember? Well, that might be the answer. Beaton has been in this neighbourhood ever since about the time of that murder in New York. Nobody knows what his business is, but he is hand-in-glove with Bill Lacy and his gang. Lacy, besides running a saloon, pretends to be a mining speculator, but it is my opinion there is nothing he wouldn't do for money, if he considered the game safe. And now, with everything quiet in the East, and no thought that there is any suspicion remaining, Beaton sends for the woman to join him here. Why? Because there is some job to be done too big for him to tackle alone. He's merely a gunman; he can do the strong-arm stuff, all right, but lacks brains. There is a problem out here requiring a little intellect; and it is my guess it is how to dispose of Cavendish until they can get away safely with the swag.
human
Exactly! That would be a stake worth playing for.
gpt
It certainly would; and, as I figure it out, that is their game. John Cavendish is merely the catspaw. Right now there is nothing for them to do but wait until the boy gets full possession of the property; then they'll put the screws on him good and proper. Meantime Frederick must be kept out of sight--must remain dead.
human
I wonder how this was ever planned out--if it be true?
gpt
It must have originated in some cunning, criminal brain, he admitted thoughtfully.
human
Not Beaton's, surely; and, while she is probably much brighter, I am inclined to think the girl is merely acting under orders. There is somebody connected with this scheme higher up--a master criminal.