r malice! He wished that his hand had withered before he wrote that
accursed document. But now the only thing to do was to face it out.

"I am glad that you see me in my true light at last, Miss Rodd," he
said. "It simplifies matters. I entered into that agreement because it
seemed to give me a remote chance of attaining my end, which is money.
It does not quite follow, however, that I should not have attempted your
rescue had there been no agreement; but, of course, I cannot expect you
to believe that."

"I assure you, Mr. Outram, that I am deeply obliged to you for your
caution. It has lifted a great weight from my mind, for if in any way I
can help you to obtain possession of the valuables of this People of the
Mist I shall have paid off an obligation which at present crushes me."

"We shall have to start early to-morrow morning, so with your permission
I think that I will be turning in," said Leonard, springing up with
singular alacrity.

Juanna watched him go with innocent eyes, and as he passed she saw by
the firelight that his face was like a thunderstorm. "I have made him
angry this time," she thought to herself, "and I am glad of it. What
business had he to rescue _me_ for money? But he is a strange man, and
I don't think that I quite understand him. I wonder who Jane Beach is.
I suppose that she wants the money. Women generally do, or at least they
did in Durban."

Then she spoke aloud: "Soa, come here while I undress, and tell me again
all about your meeting with Mr. Outram, and what he said, forgetting
nothing. You have put me to shame, Soa, with your talk, and I will never
forgive you. Tell me also how I can help to win the treasure of the
People of the Mist!"

CHAPTER XVI

MISUNDERSTANDINGS

For some days after the acrimonious conversation that has been reported,
the relations between Leonard and Juanna were not a little strained,
although the necessities of travel brought them into continual contact.
Both felt that they had cause of complaint against the other, and
both were at heart somewhat ashamed of the part which they had played.
Leonard regretted ever having made the agreement with Soa, and Juanna,
now that she had cooled down a little, regretted having spoken as she
did upon the subject. Her pride was offended; but, after all, how could
he know? Besides, he was an adventurer, and it was natural that he
should make terms. Doubtless also his anxiety to win fortune had to do
with the lad