t say all you had to say," he remarked.

"No, I didn't. Lights or no lights, Holgate will attack presently--I
will not pin myself to to-night. He is where he wants to be, or will be
soon. Then he has no use for us"--I paused--"women or men."

"Good God, do you think him that sort of scoundrel?" he inquired
sharply.

"What has he done? Played with us as a cat with mice. Oh, he's the most
unholy ruffian I've ever struck. And you know it. Look at his face. No,
Barraclough, it's death, it's death to every man jack."

"And the women?" he said hesitatingly.

I too hesitated. "No, I don't credit him with that. He threatened, but
I don't quite believe. Yet I don't know. No; I think it's a question of
a terminus for all of us, man and woman"--I paused--"including your
pretty friend there."

He turned sharply on me, but made no remark. His eyelids were drawn and
heavy and his eyes surcharged. He appeared to be under the stress of
some severe thought. I moved away, leaving it at that, for it was
obvious that he was moved. As I reached the door I happened to glance
back. Barraclough stood where I had left him, his brows knitted; but my
eyes passed from him to the gallery, and there lighted on Mademoiselle,
who stood with one hand on the railing gazing down at Barraclough. She
had her hand to her heart, and her face was white like death, but that
may have been the effect of the electric light. I wondered, as I had
wondered about Pye, how long she had been there, and if she had heard.
Had she spied on us of a set purpose? If so (God help her!) she had
taken no good of her eavesdropping. A pity for her seized me. She was
still and silent in the course of my gaze, but, as I looked, the ship
heeled, her bosom struck the railing heavily, and she uttered a tiny
cry. Barraclough glanced up and saw her. As I went out a cold blast
streamed off the sea and entered the open ports; the waters rocked and
roared. I guessed that we were entering the channel.

I had made my report to Barraclough, but I had to report to the Prince.
When I reached his cabin I found him seated before his table, engaged
in sorting a number of documents. He wore glasses, which I had never
seen on him before, and he proffered me a severe frown as I entered. I
have never to this day rightly assessed the character of Prince
Frederic of Hochburg, so many odd ingredients entered into it. He was
dictatorial, he was even domineering, he was hard-working, and he was
con