he could not use both hands and still
hold the flashlight; and, besides, with the door partially open now
where the Sparrow was on guard there was always the chance, if Danglar
and those of the gang with him were already in the vicinity, of the
light bringing them all the more quickly to the scene.

Again she spoke to the Adventurer, as she removed the gag--and a fear
that made her sick at heart seized up on her. There was still no answer.
And now, as she worked, cutting at the cords on his hands and feet, the
love that she knew for the man, its restraint broken by the sense of
dread and fear at his condition, rose dominant within her, and impulse
that she could not hold in least took possession of her, and in the
darkness, since he would not know, and there was none to see, she bent
her head, and, half crying, her lips pressed upon his forehead.

She drew back startled, a crimson in her face that the darkness hid.
What had she done? Did he know? Had he returned to consciousness, if he
really had been unconscious, in time to know? She could not see; but she
knew his eyes had opened.

She worked frantically with the bonds. He was free now. She cast them
off.

He spoke then--thickly, with great difficulty.

"It's you, the White Moll, isn't it?"

"Yes," she answered.

He raised himself up on his elbow, only to fall back with a suppressed
groan.

"I don't know how you found me, but get away at once--for God's sake,
get away!" he cried. "Danglar'll be here at any minute. It's you he
wants. He thinks you know where some--some jewels are, and that I--I--"

"I know all about Danglar," she said hurriedly. "And I know all about
the jewels, for I've got them myself."

He was up on his knees now, swaying there. She caught at his shoulder to
support him.

"You!" he cried out incredulously. "You--you've got them? Say that
again! You--you've--"

"Yes," she said, and with an effort steadied her voice. He--he was
a thief. Cost her what it might, with all its bitter hurt, she must
remember that, even--even if she had forgotten once. "Yes," she said.
"And I mean to turn them over to the police, and expose every one of
Danglar's gang. I--you are entitled to a chance; you once stood between
me and the police. I can do no less by you. I couldn't turn the police
loose on the gang without giving you warning, for, you see, I know you
are the Pug."

"Good God!" he stammered. "You know that, too?"

"Try and walk," she said brea