abroad again. I saw them on my way here. At the
same spot where I saw them before. This time I shall not conceal my
knowledge of the fact."

"You mean you will tell Jake--to his face?"

Diane gave a little gasp, and her beautiful eyes fixed themselves
apprehensively upon his. They had in their depths a soft look of
admiration, in spite of her anxiety and fear. But Tresler saw nothing
of that. He took her question seriously.

"Certainly; it is my only means of getting into line of battle. By
this means I shall make myself the centre of open attack--if all our
surmises be true. It is getting late and I must go. I want to witness
the return of the ruffians."

A silence fell. The man had said it was time for him to go, but he
found it hard to tear himself away. He wanted to say so much to her;
he wanted to ask her so much. Diane, half shyly, came a step nearer to
him, and, though her face was smiling bravely, a pucker wrinkled her
brows.

"Mr. Tresler----"

"I was christened 'John.'"

"John, then." The girl blushed faintly as she pronounced the name,
which, spoken by her, seemed to seal the bond between them. "Is it
absolutely necessary to tell Jake? Is it absolutely necessary to put
yourself in such peril? Couldn't you----"

But she got no further. Her lover's arms were about her in an instant.
He caught her to him in a great embrace and kissed her pleading,
upturned face.

"Yes, yes, yes, child. It is absolutely necessary. No, you can't go
yet," as she struggled feebly to free herself. "I ought to leave you
now, yet I can hardly tear myself away. I have heaps to ask you: about
yourself, your life, your father. I want to learn all there is in your
little head, in your heart, little girl. I want to make our bond of
love one of perfect sympathy and understanding of each other; of trust
and confidence. It is necessary. We come together here with
storm-clouds gathering on our horizon; with the storm actually
breaking. We come together under strange and unusual circumstances,
and must fight for this love of ours. Ours will be no flower-strewn
path. This much I have fully realized; but it only makes me the more
determined to see it through quickly. We have to fight--good. We will
be early in the field. Now good-night, sweetheart. God bless you.
Trust to me. Whatever I do will be done after careful deliberation;
with a view to our common goal. If I am wrong, so much the worse. I
will do all that is given me to do. An