"Do you always keep yoursupply yard locked?"
"Yes."
"Why?" he askedcuriously. "I wouldn't think anyone would dare steal anything from aproject for the maharajah."
She quickly glanced away."I suppose I became accustomed to guarding our supplies in England."
"I see." He bowedslightly. "Well, I'm sure you do it very well. Margaret believes inguarding her own too."
She gave him a tentative smileas she opened the gate and strode swiftly into the supply yard.
"You're right, shedoesn't lie well," Ian said slowly.
Ruel shot him a glance as heturned away from the washstand. "Something happened today at thestation?"
"Not exactly."
"Ian."
"She feels very muchalone, you know."
"We're all alone."
"She thinks she'sdifferent from other women."
"She is different."
"No…I believe she's been hurt a good deal."
"Are you going to tell mewhat happened today?"
Ian didn't answer for amoment, and then said reluctantly, "The supply yard. She keeps it lockedat all times and I don't think it's because of thieves."
"You think Kartauk—"
"I didn't say that. Shejust seemed uncomfortable when I mentioned her locking the gate." Hegrimaced. "I didn't want to tell you. I feel as if I've betrayedher."
Ruel frowned thoughtfully."Kartauk can't be there. It would be taking too much risk when rails haveto be moved from the yard to the site every few days."
"Good," Ian said,relieved. "Then I must be wrong."
"Perhaps. Watch the yardfor a few evenings to make sure."
"I'm not comfortable withthis, Ruel."
"I know." Ruelsmiled. "You're afraid your soul is going to be damned to perdition."
He shook his head. "I'mafraid I'm going to hurt the lass."
Ruel's smile faded."We're not going to hurt her, only find Kartauk."
"It may be the samething."
He stripped off his shirt."Get out of here. I have to get some sleep."
Ian rose to his feet with asigh. "I'll watch the yard, but I hope I'm wrong." He moved towardthe door. "And I believe you do too."
"The hell I do."
