ther drily, "I am afraid I cannot do that. That
lies outside my province. These delicate questions are not in my line. I
will tell you plainly what I am. I am just a messenger, perhaps more
like a policeman," he added, smiling, "than anything else. I just go and
appear when I am wanted, if there is a row or a chance of one. Don't
misunderstand me!" he said more kindly. "It is not from any lack of
interest in you or our friend here. I should very much like to know what
step you will take, but it is simply not my business: our duties here
are very clearly defined, and I can just do my job, and nothing more."

He made a courteous salute, and walked off without looking back, leaving
on me the impression of a young military officer, perfectly courteous
and reliable, not inclined to cultivate his emotions or to waste words,
but absolutely effective, courageous, and dutiful.

"Well," I said to Cynthia with a show of cheerfulness, "what shall we do
next? Are you feeling strong enough to go on?"

"I am sure I don't know," said Cynthia wearily. "Don't ask me. I have
had a great fright, and I begin to wish I had stayed behind. How
uncomfortable everything is! Why can one never have a moment's peace?
There," she said to me, "don't be vexed, I am not blaming you; but I
hated you for not showing more fight when those men set on you, and I
hated Lucius for having done it; you must forgive me! I am sure you only
did what was kind and right--but I have had a very trying time, and I
don't like these bothers. Let me alone for a little, and I daresay I
shall be more sensible."

I sat by her in much perplexity, feeling singularly helpless and
ineffective; and in a moment of weakness, not knowing what to do, I
wished that Amroth were near me, to advise me; and to my relief saw him
approaching, but also realised in a flash that I had acted wrongly, and
that he was angry, as I had never seen him before.

He came up to us, and bending down to Cynthia with great tenderness,
took her hand, and said, "Will you stay here quietly a little, Cynthia,
and rest? You are perfectly safe now, and no one will come near you. We
two shall be close at hand; but we must have a talk together, and see
what can be done."

Cynthia smiled and released me. Amroth beckoned me to withdraw with him.
When we had got out of earshot, he turned upon me very fiercely, and
said, "You have made a great mess of this business."

"I know it," I said feebly, "but I cannot f