"So
you have spurs, and think you can use them? Well, I have no quarrel
with you, but perchance I may have more reason to be the protector of
this young lady than you suppose. Stand aside, Monsieur."

She had risen from the sand, and now stood erect beside me. I saw
Jordan grinning in great enjoyment of the scene, and that De Croix's
eyes were full of anger; but I would not stir. In my heart I felt a
dull pain at his words, a fear that they might prove too true; but I
remained where I was, determined to take no step aside until she
herself should judge between us.

"Will you stand back, Monsieur?" he said, haughtily, dropping his hand
upon the hilt of his rapier, "or shall I show you how a gentleman of
France deals with such impertinence?"

If he thought to affright me with his bravado, he reckoned ill of my
nature, for I have ever driven badly; my blood seems slow to heat,
though it was warm enough now.

"If the lady wishes it, you may pass," I answered shortly, my eyes
never leaving his face. "Otherwise, if you take so much as another
step I will crush every bone in your body."

He saw I meant it, but there was no cowardice in him; and the steel had
already flashed in the sunlight to make good his threat, when she
touched me gently upon the shoulder.

"I beg you do not fight," she urged. "I am not worthy, and 't is all
unneeded. Captain de Croix," and she swept him a curtsey which had the
grace of a drawing-room in it, "'t is indeed most strange that we
should meet again in such a spot as this. No contrast could be greater
than the memory of our last parting. Yet is there any cause for
quarrel because this young gentleman has preserved my life?"

De Croix hesitated, standing half-poised for attack, even his glib
tongue and ready wit failing as she thus calmly questioned him.
Indeed, as I later learned, there was that of witchery about this young
girl which held him at bay more effectually than if she had been a
princess of the royal blood,--a something that laughed his studied art
to scorn. She noted now his hesitancy, and smiled slightly at the
evidence of her power.

"Well, Monsieur, 'tis not often that your lips fail of words," she
continued, archly. "Why is it I am made the subject of your quarrel?"

The slight sarcastic sting in her voice aroused him.

"By all the saints, Toinette!" he exclaimed, striving to appear at his
ease, "this seems a poor greeting for one who has followed you throu