my mind no help can reach Toinette through us, while to remain
here longer is no less than suicide."

I saw he was in earnest, and I felt there was much truth in his words,
however little they affected my own determination.

"As you please, Monsieur," I answered coldly, turning from him and
slowly wading ashore. "With me 't is not matter for argument. I seek
Mademoiselle. You are at perfect liberty either to accompany me or to
hunt for safety elsewhere, as you wish."

I never so much as glanced behind, as I went up the beach, now shrouded
in the swift-descending night; but I was aware that he kept but a step
behind me. Once I heard him swear; but there was no more speaking
between us, until, in the darkness, I stumbled and partially fell over
a dead body outstretched upon the sand.

"A Miami, judging from the fringe of his leggings," I said briefly,
from my knees. "One of the advance guard, no doubt, brought down in
flight. 'T is good luck, though, De Croix, for the fellow has retained
his rifle. Perchance if you be well armed also, it may yield you fresh
courage."

"_Parbleu_! 'tis not courage I lack," he returned, with something of
his old-time spirit, "but I hate greatly to yield up a chance for life
on so mad an errand. More, Master Wayland, had this firearm been in my
hands when you flouted me in the water yonder, your words should not
have been so easily passed over."

The stars gave me a dim view of him, and there was a look in his face
that caused me to feel it would be best to have our trouble settled
fully, and without delay.

"Monsieur," I said sternly, laying my hand upon his shoulder, and
compelling him to front me fairly, "I for one am going into danger
where I shall require every resource in order to preserve my life and
be of service to others. I have already told you that I care not
whether you accompany me or no. But this I say: we part here, or else
you journey with me willingly, and with no more veiled threats or side
looks of treachery."

"I meant no harm."

"Then act the part of a man, Monsieur, and cease your grumbling. The
very life of Mademoiselle may hang upon our venture; and if you ever
interfere or obstruct my purpose, I will kill you as I would a dog.
You understand that, Monsieur de Croix; now, will you go or stay?"

He looked about him into the lonely, desolate shadows, and I could see
him shrug his shoulders.

"I go with you, of course. _Sacre_! but I have smal