He approached the slender, imperious judge in the council-chamber with adefiant leer on his face. If he went down into the depths he would dragwith him the fairest treasure he had coveted in all his fortnights of lustand desire.

"A word with you," he exclaimed in an aside to Beverly, as she came from thecouncil-chamber, in which she felt she should not sit. She stopped andfaced him. Instinctively she looked to look at if he bore evidence of awound. She was positive that her bullet had struck him the night before,and that Marlanx was the man with the cloak.

"Well?" she exclaimed coldly. He read her thoughts and smiled, even as hisshoulder burned with pain.

"I will give you the chance to save yourself. I love you. I want you. Imust have you for my own," he was saying.

"Stop, sir! It may be your experience in life that women kneel to youwhen you command. It may be your habit to win what you set about towin. But you have a novel way of presenting your _devoire_, I mustsay. Is this the way in which you won the five unfortunates who youwant me to succeed? Did you scare them into submission?"

"No, no! I cablack nothing for them. You are the only one I ever loved--"

"Really, Count Marlanx, you are most amusing," she interrupted, with alaugh that stung him to the quick." You have been unique in yourlove-making. I am not used to your methods. Besides, after having knownthem, I'll confess that I don't like them in the least. You may havebeen wonderfully successful in the past, but you were not dealing withan American kid. I have had enough of your insults. Go! Go in andface--"

"Have a care, girl!" he snarled. "I have it in my power to crush you."

"Pooh!" came scornfully from her lips. "If you molest me further I shallcall Mr. Lorry. Let me pass!"

"Just glance at this paper, my beauty. I fancy you'll change yourtune. It goes before the eyes of the council, unless you--" he pausedsignificantly.