He held out his hand to her. "Miss Kirkstone, I am going to keep my
promise. I am going to help you with McDowell. Of course I demand my
price. Will you swear on your word of honor to let me know the moment
Shan Tung returns?"
"I will let you know."
Their hands clasped. Looking into her eyes, Keith saw what told him his
was not the greatest cross to bear. Miriam Kirkstone also was fighting
for her life, and as he turned to leave her, he said:
"While there is life there is hope. In settling my score with Shan Tung
I believe that I shall also settle yours. It is a strong hunch, Miss
Kirkstone, and it's holding me tight. Ten days, Shan Tung, and then--"
He left her, smiling. Miriam Kirkstone watched him go, her slim hands
clutched at her breast, her eyes aglow with a new thought, a new hope;
and as he heard the gate slam behind him, a sobbing cry rose in her
throat, and she reached out her hands as if to call him back, for
something was telling her that through this man lay the way to her
salvation.