fire of Captain Carroll and Garnier, instantly caught those of the
erect figure on the bench in the veranda. Surely that was the face
of the tramp she had spoken to! and yet there was a change, not
only in the dress but in the general resemblance. After the first
glance, Guest withdrew his eyes and gazed at the other figures in
the char-a-bancs without moving a muscle.

Maruja's whims and caprices were many and original; and when, after
a sudden little cry and a declaration that she could stand her
cramped position no longer, she leaped from the box into the road,
no one was surprised. Garnier and Captain Carroll quickly
followed.

"I should like to look into the fonda while the horses are being
watered," she said, laughingly, "just to see what it is that
attracts Pereo there so often." Before any one could restrain this
new caprice, she was already upon the veranda.

To reach the open door, she had to pass so near Guest that her soft
white flounces brushed his knees, and the flowers in her girdle
left their perfume in his face. But he neither moved nor raised
his eyes. When she had passed, he rose quietly and stepped into
the road.

On her nearer survey, Maruja was convinced it was the same man.
She remained for an instant, with a little hand on the door-post.
"What a horrid place, and what dreadful people!" she said in
audible English as she glanced quickly after Guest. "Really, Pereo
ought to be warned against keeping such company. Come, let us go."