from the top of the pile of trunks, landing beside her, and in
time to seize the escaping offender by the collar. He jerked
him back off his feet.

"How dare you--" he began.

But he did not finish. He felt the tips of Miss Morris's
fingers laid upon his shoulder, and her voice saying, in an
annoyed tone: "Don't; please don't." And, to his surprise,
his fingers lost their grip on the man's shirt, his arms
dropped at his side, and his blood began to flow calmly again
through his veins. Carlton was aware that he had a very quick
temper. He was always engaging in street rows, as he called
them, with men who he thought had imposed on him or on some
one else, and though he was always ashamed of himself later,
his temper had never been satisfied without a blow or an
apology. Women had also touched him before, and possibly with
a greater familiarity; but these had stirred him, not quieted
him; and men who had laid detaining hands on him had had them
beaten down for their pains. But this girl had merely touched
him gently, and he had been made helpless. It was most
perplexing; and while the custom-house officials were passing
his luggage, he found himself rubbing his arm curiously, as
though it were numb, and looking down at it with an amused
smile. He did not comment on the incident, although he smiled
at the recollection of his prompt obedience several times
during the day. But as he was stepping into the cab to drive
to Athens, he saw the offending ruffian pass, dripping with
water, and muttering bitter curses. When he saw Carlton he
disappeared instantly in the crowd. Carlton stepped over to