perplexity came between her dainty brows; "but I don't know what will
happen next summer."

"I'd like to meet this Marsh-hen party," observed Fraser, his usually
colorless eyes a bright sea-green.

"Do you fear further--er--violence?" asked Emerson.

Cherry shrugged her rounded shoulders. "I anticipate it, but I don't fear
it. I have Constantine to protect me, and you will admit he is a capable
bodyguard." She smiled slightly, recalling the scene she had interrupted
before dinner. "Then, too, Chakawana, his sister, is just as devoted.
Rather a musical name, don't you think so, Chakawana? It means 'The
Snowbird' in Aleut, but when she's aroused she's more like a hawk. It's
the Russian in her, I dare say."

The girl became conscious that her guests were studying her with
undisguised amazement now, and therefore arose, saying, "You may smoke in
the other room if you wish."

Lost in wonder at this unconventional creature, and dazed by the
strangeness of the whole affair, Emerson gained his feet and followed her,
with "Fingerless" Fraser at his heels.





CHAPTER III