"I had a letter from him this morning asking me if there was an
opening here. He resents the antagonism in the North that he meets at
every turn, although they are glad enough of his exceptionally
brilliant work. But he knows that San Francisco is the last
stronghold of the South, and also that our people are generous and
enterprising. I shall write him that I can see no opening for another
paper at present, but will let him know if there happens to be one on
an editorial staff. That is a long journey to take on an uncertainty."

"I should think so. Heavens, how this carriage does bounce. The
horses must be galloping."

"Probably." He lifted a corner of the curtain. "We shall reach the
city soon at this rate. Ah!"

Madeleine, in spite of the bouncing vehicle, had managed heretofore
to prop herself firmly in her corner, but a violent lurch suddenly
threw her against Travers. He caught her firmly in one of his lean
wiry arms. At the moment she thought nothing of it, although she
disliked the contact, but when she endeavored to disengage herself,
he merely jerked her more closely to his side and she felt his hot
breath upon her cheek. It was the fevered breath of a man who drinks
much and late and almost nauseated her.

"Come come," whispered Travers. "I know you didn't go out there to
meet any one; it was just a natural impulse for a little adventure,
wasn't it? And I deserve my reward for getting you home safely. Give
me a kiss."

Madeleine wrenched herself free, but he laughed and caught her