broad shoulders filled the portal from side to side, and the peak of his
white cap all but touched the lintel.

[Illustration: "THERE IS NONE HERE SAVE ME"]

The soldiers came hurrying down the street with bloody hands and
dripping swords. At the sight of the stranger in his imposing dress they
hesitated with surprise. The captain of the band approached the
threshold to thrust him aside. But Artaban did not stir. His face was as
calm as though he were watching the stars, and in his eyes there burned
that steady radiance before which even the half-tamed hunting leopard
shrinks, and the fierce bloodhound pauses in his leap. He held the
soldier silently for an instant, and then said in a low voice:

"There is no one in this place but me, and I am waiting to give this
jewel to the prudent captain who will leave me in peace."

He showed the ruby, glistening in the hollow of his hand like a great
drop of blood.

The captain was amazed at the splendour of the gem. The pupils of his
eyes expanded with desire, and the hard lines of greed wrinkled around
his lips. He stretched out his hand and took the ruby.

"March on!" he cried to his men, "there is no child here. The house is
still."

The clamour and the clang of arms passed down the street as the headlong
fury of the chase sweeps by the secret covert where the trembling deer
is hidden. Artaban re-entered the cottage. He turned his face to the