Canler. I had hoped, er--I had thought or--er--how very happy
we should be that he was not caught in the fire," he ended lamely.

"Tut, tut! Mr. Philander," said Professor Porter. "Tut, tut! I have
often admonished my pupils to count ten before speaking. Were I you,
Mr. Philander, I should count at least a thousand, and then maintain a
discreet silence."

"Bless me, yes!" acquiesced Mr. Philander. "But who is the clerical
appearing gentleman with him?"

Jane blanched.

Clayton moved uneasily in his chair.

Professor Porter removed his spectacles nervously, and breathed upon
them, but replaced them on his nose without wiping.

The ubiquitous Esmeralda grunted.

Only Tarzan did not comprehend.

Presently Robert Canler burst into the room.

"Thank God!" he cried. "I feared the worst, until I saw your car,
Clayton. I was cut off on the south road and had to go away back to
town, and then strike east to this road. I thought we'd never reach
the cottage."

No one seemed to enthuse much. Tarzan eyed Robert Canler as Sabor eyes
her prey.

Jane glanced at him and coughed nervously.

"Mr. Canler," she said, "this is Monsieur Tarzan, an old friend."

Canler turned and extended his hand. Tarzan rose and bowed as only
D'Arnot could have taught a gentleman to do it, but he did not seem to
see Canler's hand.

Nor did Canler appear to notice the oversight.

"This is the Reverend Mr. Tousley, Jane," said Canler, turning to the
clerical party behind him. "Mr. Tousley, Miss Porter."

Mr. Tousley bowed and beamed.

Canler introduced him to the others.

"We can have the ceremony at once, Jane," said Canler. "Then you and I
can catch the midnight train in town."

Tarzan understood the plan instantly. He glanced out of half-closed
eyes at Jane, but he did not move.

The girl hesitated. The room was tense with the silence of taut nerves.

All eyes turned toward Jane, awaiting her reply.

"Can't we wait a few days?" she asked. "I am all unstrung. I have
been through so much today."

Canler felt the hostility that emanated from each member of the party.
It made him angry.

"We have waited as long as I intend to wait," he said roughly. "You
have promised to marry me. I shall be played with no longer. I have
the license and here is the preacher. Come Mr. Tousley; come Jane.
There are plenty of witnesses--more than enough," he added with a
disagreeable inflection; and taking Jane Porter by the ar