ld not leave me in
Bombay if I feared to remain. I could limit Paul's calls to suit myself,
and that assistant would be at my service.

"Trembling at the thought of being alone in Bombay, Uncle Thomas far off
in Calcutta, and the Laniers making frequent calls, I felt desolate at
the outlook. He guessed at my emotions, and said:

"'Just say the word, little girl, and Uncle Tom stays!'

"I then advised him to go alone, but to return as soon as possible.

"Upon hearing of uncle's intentions, Pierre concluded to sail for
Calcutta at the same time. Learning that I purposed remaining in Bombay,
Paul decided that he did not care then to take another sea voyage.

"Uncle Thomas was gratified at both conclusions. He could use Pierre in
Calcutta, and though it good to separate these rascals for a while.

"I felt much relieved that but one of these dreaded foes would remain in
Bombay during uncle's absence. Uncle Thomas and Pierre Lanier sailed
together.

"Paul made frequent calls. By practicing all sorts of capricious humors,
I sought to smother feelings of dread and aversion, but at times became
so interested in these deceitful practices and in watching their effects
upon Paul as to forget former persecutions. While thus absorbed, it
often seemed that the past had been but a cruelly delusive dream. It
could not be that the soft, insinuating tones of Paul Lanier masked such
base, bloody purposes. Those bejeweled fingers, tremulously eager to
caress, surely were not those of a red-handed murderer! Yet if my wiles
succeeded, those hands would wear manacles, those fingers convulsively
clutch at vacancy, and that musical voice choke with tense strain of the
hangman's knot.

"At such times pity would unnerve my strong resolve, but Paul's
realistic repetitions of his crimes dispelled such illusions, and I
again aspired to be a scheming, determined Nemesis, aided by lure of
woman's craft.

"Some time before uncle's return I had received a letter stating when he
would sail, but did not tell Paul until after his arrival in Bombay.
Then, with assumed glee, I informed him that uncle had left Calcutta and
within a week would be back. His letter was cheerful, and he seemed to
be very happy. I requested him to defer again calling for two days.

"Paul called on Thursday evening.

"Uncle Thomas, that assistant, and I had prepared a great surprise.

"I often had noticed that Paul was very superstitious, fearful of unreal
dangers. It