a slave-girl to bring him spirits and busied himself with
filling his glass. His hand never trembled, for he knew well that his
antagonist was watching for a cue, and if he showed uncertainty all
might be lost. But in his heart, Leonard wondered what he should do if
another ounce was bid.

Meanwhile the spectators were shouting encouragement, and Pereira was
urging Xavier to increase his offer. For a while the Portugee hesitated,
surveying Juanna, who stood pale and silent, her head bowed upon her
breast. At this juncture Leonard turned, the glass still in his hand.

"Did you make any advance, senor?" he asked.

"No, curse you! Take her. I will not put down another ounce for her or
any woman on the earth."

Leonard only smiled and looked at Pereira.

"Going!" said that worthy; "the white girl, Juanna, is going to the
stranger Pierre for one hundred and twenty ounces of gold. Going! Come,
Xavier, don't lose her. If you do you will only be sorry once, and that
will be always. Now, for the last time," and he lifted his glass in his
hand and paused.

Xavier made a step forward and opened his lips to speak.

Leonard's heart stood still, but presently the Portugee changed his mind
and turned away.

"_Gone!_" screamed Pereira, bringing the glass down so heavily on the
arm of his chair that it flew into fragments.

CHAPTER XIII

A MIDNIGHT MARRIAGE

"Gone," said Pereira again. "Now, friend Pierre, before we ratify this
matter by the aid of holy Church, perhaps you will table the gold. This
is a cash transaction, remember."

"Certainly," answered Leonard. "Where is that black dog of mine, the
dwarf? Ah! there he is. Dog, weigh out the stuff; if you have not
enough, here is more." And he unbuckled his belt, from which he had been
careful to extract the ruby, and threw it to Otter.

"Now, gentlemen and companions," he went on, "for I hope that we may do
business together by and by, drink my health and my bride's. I have
paid pretty dear for her, but what of it? A gentleman of our profession
should always be ready to back his fancy, for if his is apt to be a
short life he may as well make it a merry one."

"She will think the better of you, and you of her for it," cried
a voice. "Here is to Captain Pierre and the girl." And they drank,
shouting aloud in their half-drunken merriment.

Meanwhile Otter, advancing with obsequious steps, was pouring handful
after handful of gold coin and ingots into the large sca