ckly:
"I have company upstairs. You must excuse me."

She walked away and had almost reached the door, when, with a quick
stride, he intercepted her.

"Please don't go. I am here in your own interest. I want to talk to
you--just a moment, about----"

She hesitated.

"About what?" she demanded haughtily.

"About your husband."

"My husband?" she echoed, turning and facing him.

"Yes--your husband. He is in danger. I want to help you and--him."

"Kenneth in danger?" she faltered. "What do you mean?"

He pointed to a chair.

"Won't you sit down. I won't keep you a moment. I will tell you
everything----"

She sat down like one in a dream. Taking a seat near her, he began in
his low, musical tones.

"Peril threatens your husband. It is known that he has gone to South
Africa to bring home diamonds of almost inestimable value. A number of
desperate men, who stop at nothing to accomplish their ends, have taken
steps to secure the diamonds at any cost--even at the price of a human
life."

A chill ran through her, but her voice was firm as she demanded
scornfully:

"You know these men--these murderers?"

"Yes--I know them."

Instantly came the bitter retort:

"Maybe you are one of them!"

His eyes flashed in the darkness and his voice vibrated with passion as
he answered:

"I know you think ill of me. You do me an injustice. I have no share
in these men's operations, but I have great power over them. They must
obey my command. They know that and so respect my orders. A word from
me and your husband will be unmolested."

Like the drowning man who in his agony will grasp eagerly at a floating
straw, Helen seized at the hope his words held out. That Kenneth was
in peril she readily believed. It was a dangerous mission. She had
scented danger from the outset. This man might be lying, and yet he
might have the influence he boasted.

"You can avert the danger?"

He nodded.

"I can."

"How?"

"I will give orders that he be unmolested."

"And they will obey you?"

"They will."

Her face brightened. More amiably she said:

"You'll do this, won't you?"

"Yes--for a price."

"What price?"

"That you recall what you said the other day and restore me to a place
in your friendship."

There was no mistaking his true meaning. It was a price no
self-respecting woman could pay. She rose indignantly, and haughtily
she said:

"You have never had a place in my friendship, Sign