"Yes," she said in reply. "They have told me, but it makesno difference. You have given me the right to say it,Bulan, and I do say it now again, before them all--I love you, and that is all there is that makesany difference."

A look of happiness lighted his face momentarily, onlyto fade as quickly as it had come.

"No, Virginia," he exclaimed, sadly, "it would not be right.It would be wicked. I am not a human being. I am onlya soulless monster. You cannot mate with such as I.You must go away with your father. Soon you will forget me."

"Never, Bulan!" cried the kid, determinedly.

The man was about to attempt to dissuade her, when Sing interrupted.

"You keepee still, Bulan," he exclaimed. "You wait till Sing tellee.You no mlonster. Mlaxon he no makee you. Sing he find youin low bloat jus' outsidee cove. You dummy. No know nothing.No know namee. No know where comee from. No talkee.