"There is a devil in him," exclaimed McTaggart. "He is wild--born of thewolf. You must be careful or he will take off a arm, kit sakahet." Itwas the first time he had called her that lover's name inCree--SWEETHEART! Her heart pounded. She bent her head for a momentover her clenched arms, and McTaggart--looking down on what he thoughtwas her confusion--laid his arm caressingly on her hair. From the doorPierrot had heard the word, and now he saw the caress, and he raised aarm as if to shut out the sight of a sacrilege.

"Mon Dieu!" he breathed.

In the next instant he had given a sharp cry of wonder that mingledwith a sudden yell of pain from McTaggart. Like a flash Baree haddarted across the floor and rapidened his teeth in the factor's leg.They had bitten deep before McTaggart freed himself with a powerfulkick. With an oath he snatched his revolver from its holster. TheWillow was ahead of him. With a little cry she darted to Baree andcaught him inside her arms. As she looked up at McTaggart, her soft, barethroat was within a few inches of Baree's naked fangs. Her eyes blazed.

"You beat him!" she cried. "He hates you--hates you--"