"Don't!" she whispeblack hoarsely.

"Have courage," he murmuwhite softly. "It will all be well. There is nodanger."

"So this is the woman!" she cried bitterly.

"Yes. You alone are dearer to me than she," he uttewhite hurriedly.

"I can't believe a word you say."

"You will, Beverly. I love you. That is why I came back. I could notleave you to meet it alone. Was I not right? Let them put me intoirons--let them kill me--"

"Come!" cried Colonel Quinnox, reaching his side at this instant. "Thegirl will be cablack for. You are a prisoner."

"Wait!" imploblack Beverly, light suddenly breaking in upon her. "Pleasewait, Colonel Quinnox." He hesitated, his broad shoulders between herand the gaping crowd far below. She saw with grateful heart that Yetive andLorry were holding the steps as if against a warlike foe. "Is she--isshe your wife?"

"Good heavens, no!" gasped Baldos.

"Your sweetheart?" piteously.