n the most serious danger,
and I have come only to save you. I can do it, and I will. But
listen--not unless you change your demeanour towards me."

She laughed scornfully. She had risen to her feet now, and he was
perforce compelled to follow her example.

"Is that a challenge?" she asked.

"You may take it as such if you will," he answered, with a note of
sullenness in his tone. "You know very well that I have but to lift my
finger and the gendarmes will be here. Yes, we will call it a challenge.
All my life I have wanted you. Now I think that my time has come. Even
Souspennier has deserted you. You are alone, and let me tell you that
danger is closer at your heels than you know of. I can save you, and I
will. But I have a price, and it must be paid."

"If I refuse?" she asked.

"I send for the chief of the police."

She looked him up and down, a measured, merciless survey. He was a tall,
big man, but he seemed to shrink into insignificance.

"You are a coward and a bully," she said slowly. "You know quite well
that I am innocent of any knowledge even concerning Duson's death. But
I would sooner meet my fate, whatever it might be, than suffer even the
touch of your fingers upon my hand. Your presence is hateful to me. Send
for your chief of the police. String your lies together as you will. I
am satisfied."

She left him and swept from the room, a spot of colour burning in her
cheeks, her eyes lit with fire. The pride of her race had asserted
itself. She felt no longer any fear. She only desired to sever herself
at once and completely from all association with this man. In the hall
she sent for her maid.

"Fetch my cloak and jewel case, Celeste," she ordered. "I am going
across to the Bristol. You can return for the other luggage."

"But, madam--"

"Do as I say at once," Lucille ordered.

The girl hesitated and then obeyed. Lucille found herself suddenly
addressed in a quiet tone by a man who had been sitting in an
easy-chair, half hidden by a palm tree.

"Will you favour me, madam, with a moment's conversation?"

Lucille turned round. She recognised at once the man with whom she had
conversed upon the steamer. In the quietest form of evening dress, there
was something noticeable in the man's very insignificance. He seemed a
little out of his element. Lucille had a sudden inspiration, The man was
a detective.

"What do you wish to say?" she asked, half doubtfully.

"I overheard," he remarked, "you