arm, and the
line of police shortened and curved. Fisette found himself throttled
by a muscular arm which shot round his neck, and two minutes later they
were surrounded and fighting for their lives.

The battle surged and palpitated. What remained of Baudette's axemen
were behind the big gates, where Belding had dragged the prostrate
foreman. Clark stood in absolute calmness, though he knew that
presently this barrier would be battered down.

Belding drew a long breath and shot a fascinated glance at his chief.
It flashed into his mind that Clark was getting punishment now, not
only in the eyes of the world, but also in the eyes of the man from
whom he had taken that which was dearest and best. But his leader's
gaze was as clear as ever.

"It can't last much longer, sir," he shouted through the uproar. His
automatic was empty, and he could only watch the front rank of rioters
pick up a great baulk of timber and balance it opposite the gates.
Then a sudden chill struck to his very soul. What would happen in St.
Marys?

Clark, staring at him, just as suddenly perceived what was in his mind.

"Take my launch," he called into his ear. "You can land at the house.
Hurry! Don't mind about me."

Belding hung for a moment in frantic uncertainty, and shook his head.
He was next in command here, but a short mile away was his heart's
desire, defenseless, save for what resistance could be hastily
organized in the town. It was questionable what that was worth, and
his whole soul commanded him to go to her. For an instant he felt
sick, then over him flooded the cold conviction that, even though he
saved Clark for Elsie, he must stay and see this thing through.

Suddenly from far down the road came a sharp rattle, that pierced the
uproar and brought a grim, inflexible message. Clark heard it, and
over his face stole an expression of relief. The mob heard it, and
through their surging ranks ran that which sobered and cooled their
fury. Manson, prostrate and bloody, heard it, and Fisette, and all the
others who had fought, it seemed, their last fight. The rioters began
to dissipate like blown leaves in autumn, and a rippling line of
infantry in open formation moved rhythmically up the road from St.
Marys.

Clark drew a long breath and looked curiously at his engineer.

"You saved my life, Belding." He hesitated a moment, and added
thoughtfully, "Now, why should you want to do that?"

Belding stared and a lump