CHAPTER IX THE BLACK SHEEP

Shirley stood still, panting for breath, while she waited for the man who had been following her to draw level. Gradually, however, her laboured breathing eased, and by the time he reached her side she had almost recovered herself and was able to muster up a faint smile of greeting. “So it’s you,” she said rather shyly. “Yes,” he answered bluntly. He, too, was breathing somewhat fast from his recent exertions, but his face betrayed no sign of pleasure at the unexpected meeting. “I thought I was never going to succe…