It was his first direct overture, and Columbine, who had angled for it,
experienced a thrill of triumph. But she was swift to mask her
satisfaction. She tossed her head, and turned: "Oh, I've no time to
waste that way," she said. "You must do your own taming, Mr. Minotaur.
When you're quite civilised, p'raps I'll talk to you."

She was gone with the words, carrying her plates with her.

"She's a deal too pert," observed Mrs. Peck to the saucepan she was
stirring. "It's my belief now that that Mr. Knight's been putting ideas
into her head. She's getting wild; that's what she is."

Knowing Rufus, she expected no response, and for several seconds none
came.

Then to her surprise she heard his voice, deep and sonorous as the
bell-buoy that was moored by the Spear Point Reef.

"Maybe she'd tame," he said.

And "Goodness gracious unto me!" said Mrs. Peck, as she lifted her
saucepan off the fire.




CHAPTER IV

THE RISING TIDE