t seemed to me that had I a closer relationship I might better assist
in adding to her happiness and safety--in short, Professor, I should
like your permission to ask Virginia to marry me."

There had been no indication in von Horn's attitude toward the girl
that he loved her. That she was beautiful and intelligent could not be
denied, and so it was small wonder that she might appeal strongly to
any man, but von Horn was quite evidently not of the marrying type.
For years he had roved the world in search of adventure and excitement.
Just why he had left America and his high place in the navy he never
had divulged; nor why it was that for seven years he had not set his
foot upon ground which lay beneath the authority of Uncle Sam.

Sing Lee who stood just without the trap door through which he was
about to pass Professor Maxon's evening meal to him could not be blamed
for overhearing the conversation, though it may have been culpable in
him in making no effort to divulge his presence, and possibly equally
unpraiseworthy, as well as lacking in romance, to attribute the
doctor's avowal to his knowledge of the heavy chest.

As Professor Maxon eyed the man before replying to his abrupt request,
von Horn noted a strange and sudden light in the older man's eyes--a
something which he never before had seen there and which caused an
uncomfortable sensation to creep over him--a manner of bristling that
was akin either to fear or horror, von Horn could not tell which.

Then the professor arose from his seat and came very close to the
younger man, until his face was only a few inches from von Horn's.

"Doctor," he whispered in a strange, tense voice, "you are mad. You do
not know what you ask. Virginia is not for such as you. Tell me that
she does not know of your feelings toward her. Tell me that she does
not reciprocate your love. Tell me the truth, man." Professor Maxon
seized von Horn roughly by both shoulders, his glittering eyes glaring
terribly into the other's.

"I have never spoken to her of love, Professor," replied von Horn
quietly, "nor do I know what her sentiments toward me may be. Nor do I
understand, sir, what objections you may have to me--I am of a very old
and noble family." His tone was haughty but respectful.

Professor Maxon released his hold upon his assistant, breathing a sigh
of relief.

"I am glad," he said, "that it has gone no further, for it must not be.
I have other, nobler aspirations f