which gleamed the small and regular teeth of ivory, the round white
throat swelling ever so slightly to her breathing,--when a sudden shout
of surprised recognition aroused me from my reverie, and I looked up to
see Jordan topping the sand-bank in our front, and waving his hand to
some one beneath him and out of sight.

"See here, De Croix!" he cried, excitedly, "the prodigal has had good
cause to lag behind. He has found the lost fairy of this wilderness."

Before I could relieve myself of my burden,--for the mockery of his
words angered me,--the Frenchman appeared at his side, and glanced down
where his companion's finger pointed. For a moment he gazed; then he
murmured a sharp French oath, and strode heavily down the sand-bank.
There was a look in his face that caused me to lay the girl's head back
upon the sand and rise hastily. The sudden movement awoke her, and her
dark eyes looked up in startled confusion. By this time I had taken a
quick step forward, and faced De Croix.

"This lady is under my protection," I said, a bit hotly, not relishing
the manner of his approach, "and any disrespect from either of you will
be unwarranted."

He paused, evidently surprised at my bold front, and his lip curled
contemptuously.

"Ah, my young game-cock!" he ejaculated, surveying me curiously. "So
you have spurs, and think you can use them? Well, I have no quarrel
with you, but perchance I may have more reason to be the protector of
this young lady than you suppose. Stand aside, Monsieur."