"I hoped to find him here before me. Oh, it is his not coming that
terrifies me. I must wait and hope. But if he does not come in
time another may come before him."

"The ones already here are not all the enemies that threaten you?"

"Indeed, no. The worst has still to come, and till I know he is
here I do not greatly fear Spidel or Leon. They receive orders and
do not give them."

Heritage ran a perplexed hand through his hair. The sunset which
had been flaming for some time in the unshuttered panes was now
passing into the dark. The girl lit a lamp after first shuttering
the rest of the windows. As she turned up the wick the odd dusty
room and its strange company were revealed more clearly, and Dickson
saw with a shock how haggard was the beautiful face. A great pity
seized him and almost conquered his timidity.

"It is very difficult to help you," Heritage was saying. "You won't
leave this place, and you won't claim the protection of the law.
You are very independent, Mademoiselle, but it can't go on for ever.
The man you fear may arrive at any moment. At any moment, too, your
treasure may by discovered."

"It is that that weighs on me," she cried. "The jewels! They are
my solemn trust, but they burden me terribly. If I were only rid
of them and knew them to be safe I should face the rest with a
braver mind."

"If you'll take my advice," said Dickson slowly, "you'll get them