n twenty feet
of her, to see her start and stand still, and then, with the indecision
of a hunted animal, move uncertainly, and then turn and run in the
direction of the hotel. Something the man apparently called after her
caused her to stop, and Gordon observed them now with undisguised
interest as they stood conversing together, oblivious of the
conspicuous mark they made on the broad white beach under the brilliant
sun.

"I wonder what he's up to now?" Gordon mused. "He was trying to pump
me, that's evident, and he certainly recognized the lady, and she
apparently did not want to recognize him. I wonder if he is a rejected
lover, or another conspirator. This is a most amusing place, nothing
but plots and counterplots and--Hello!" he exclaimed aloud. The man
had moved quickly past Madame Zara, and had started toward the hotel,
and Zara had held out her hand to him, as though to entreat him to
remain. But he did not stop, and she had taken a few uncertain steps
after him, and had then, much to the American's dismay, fallen limply
on her back on the soft sand. She was not a hundred yards distant from
where he sat, and in an instant he had slipped from the wall, and
dropped on his hands and knees on the beach below. When Gordon reached
her the Frenchman had returned, and was supporting her head on his knee
and covering her head with her parasol.

"The lady has fainted!" he exclaimed, eagerly. His manner was no
longer one of idle indolence. He was wide awake now and visibly
excited.

"The sun has been too much for her," he said. "It is most dangerous
walking about at this time of day."

Gordon ran down the beach and scooped up some water in his helmet, and
dipping his handkerchief in it bathed her temples and cheek. He had
time to note that she was a very beautiful girl, and the pallor of her
face gave it a touch of gentleness that he had not seen there before.

"I will go to the hotel and bring assistance, said the stranger,
uneasily, as the woman showed signs of regaining consciousness.

"No," said Gordon, "you'll stay where you are and shade her with her
umbrella. She'll be all right in a minute."

The girl opened her eyes, and looking up saw Gordon bending over her.
She regarded him for a moment and made an effort to rise, and in her
endeavor to do so her eyes met those of the Frenchman, and with a sharp
moan she shut them again and threw herself from Gordon's knee to the
sand.

"Give me that u