e said.... "How
men reveal their earth-binding! A laugh is enough--or a fear, a word, a
convention--and you have a complete discovery of limitations."

Bedient fell into her mood. "And what manner of man would he be who
could keep hidden from such very old and very wise eyes his covering of
clay?"

"First, he would be without vanity," she said readily. "Then, he would
do noble things thoughtlessly and unwatched. He wouldn't be
dollar-poisoned, nor could he fail to help all who are poor and
whipped, whether wicked or not. And he would have enough intelligence
to enfold mine, so I wouldn't be constantly banging against his
walls.... In a word, he would be great without knowing it. Do you think
I ask a great deal?"

"Yes, but I should like him," Bedient answered.

"And now what is it?" she asked quickly. They had turned upon the
main-drive, away from the trees. "I can see you have something to say."

"I shall take up lodgings for the next few days in the city below--at
_Treasure Island Inn_. Senor Rey has ordered me out of _The Pleiad_."

Her face colored instantly, and yet she said, "I'm very glad to hear
it. At least, you will be safe in _Treasure Island Inn_."

"I had not considered that, Miss Mallory, though I've a great respect
for all that you think important.... I still intend to see Jim
Framtree--and before the end of 'the four days' spoken of night before
last. The fact is, I have nothing else to do. Celestino Rey may mean to
start his rebellion then, so there is only to-morrow and next day. It
would be next to impossible for me to meet this man with hostilities
begun."

She was quite astonished at this stir of action.

"Can't you tell me anything more?" Her appeal was penetrating.

"Only that I've got to see him. It's not to do him harm," he said. "The
story isn't altogether mine.... I can't help laughing at this move of
Senor Rey's--and yet----"

"It hurts, doesn't it?" she urged.

"Not exactly that, but it makes me all the more determined to get to
Framtree."

"I'm glad if it does hurt," she said hastily. "You look like death, but
the apathy is gone. Even red rage is better than that. I think you are
better. It was about your illness--that I wanted you to tell me....
Good-by."

"I hope," Bedient said suddenly, "that Rey isn't afraid of _you_--that
you are clear from the impulse that made him send me downtown."

"I've been careful.... I'll help, if I can. Good-by.... Aren't
'good-bys' hideous