r him who came back
first."

"And has Captain de Croix returned also?"

"We arrived together, Mademoiselle, but it was his good fortune to be
earliest through the gate."

'Twas good to see how her face lit up with the amusement this reply
afforded her.

"Pish! but you are in truth the most marvellous man I ever knew. 'T is
good to meet with such open honesty; and when did maid ever have before
so unselfish a cavalier to do her honor? Monsieur, I greatly doubt if
Captain de Croix will prove so thoughtful when his hour comes."

"You are right, Toinette," broke in a voice at my back. "I know not
what Master Wayland may be yielding up so easily, but, like the Shylock
of your William Shakespeare, I am here to claim my pound of flesh."

I wheeled and faced him, standing firmly between his approach and the
girl, my blood instantly boiling at the familiar sound of that drawling
voice.

"I have refused to accept from Mademoiselle what I had not fairly
earned," I said, with quiet emphasis, "and so, no doubt, will you."

There was that about my words and action that astonished him, and for
the moment his old audacity was gone as he swept a puzzled glance over
our faces. I have often reflected upon the contrast we must have
presented to her sight as we stood there,--for De Croix had donned his
best attire, and was once again resplendent in frills and ribbons, with
heavily powdered hair.

"Oh, most certainly, what I have not earned," he said at length, "but
the kiss promised is surely mine by every right, as I was the first in."

"'T was done by a most scurvy trick."

"Poof! what of that? 'Tis the same whether the goal be won by wit and
strategy, or mere fleetness of foot. Toinette will make no such fine
distinction, I warrant you."

"Mademoiselle," and I turned toward the smiling girl, who seemingly
enjoyed our interchange of compliments, "what may have been your
understanding of this wager?"

"Why," she answered slowly, endeavoring to recall the details to mind,
"Captain de Croix declared he would willingly make the trip for a touch
of rosy lips, and in a spirit of venture I promised that whichever of
you two first completed the journey and returned here should obtain
such reward."

"There, 't is plain enough," he cried, stroking his mustache
complacently, "and I have won."

"Most surely you have," I retorted, "and the reward has already been
given you."

"Been given?" she questioned, "and by whom?"