t London offers to those who can buy her favors.
Truly this Helen, all unconsciously, had not only found the heel of a
modern Achilles, but was wounding him sorely. For now Spencer knew
that he wanted to see her frank eyes smiling into his as they were
smiling into Bower's, and, no matter what turn events took, a sinister
element had been thrust into a harmless idyl by this man's arrival.

CHAPTER VII

SOME SKIRMISHING

Later, the American saw the two sitting in the hall. They were
chatting with the freedom of old friends. Helen's animated face showed
that the subject of their talk was deeply interesting. She was telling
Bower of the slights inflicted on her by the other women; but Spencer
interpreted her intent manner as supplying sufficient proof of a
stronger emotion than mere friendliness. He was beginning to detest
Bower.

It was his habit to decide quickly when two ways opened before him.
He soon settled his course now. To remain in the hotel under present
conditions involved a loss of self respect, he thought. He went to the
bureau, asked for his account, and ordered a carriage to St. Moritz
for the morrow's fast train to England.

The manager was politely regretful. "You are leaving us at the wrong
time, sir," he said. "Within the next few days we ought to have a
midsummer storm, when even the lower hills will be covered with snow.
Then, we usually enjoy a long spell of magnificent weather."

"Sorry," said Spencer. "I like the scramble up there," and he nodded
in the direction of the Bernina range, "and old Stampa is a gem of a
guide; but I can hardly put off any longer some business that needs
attention in England. Anyhow, I shall come back, perhaps next month.
Stampa says it is all right here in September."

"Our best month, I assure you, and the ideal time to drop down into
Italy when you are tired of the mountains."

"I must let it go at that. I intend to fix Stampa so that he can
remain here till the end of the season. So you see I mean to return."

"He was very fortunate in meeting you, Mr. Spencer," said the manager
warmly.

"Well, it is time he had a slice of luck. I've taken a fancy to the
old fellow. One night, in the Forno hut, he told me something of his
story. I guess it will please him to stop at the Maloja for awhile."

"He told you about his daughter?" came the tentative question.

"Not all. I am afraid there was no difficulty in filling in the
blanks. I heard enough to mak