and Mr. Trent assured me
that the cannon being on board was a mere accident; they would not have
them removed, but they had no intention of making use of them. Still,
there's no doubt that there's some mystery behind this yachting
expedition. I can't make it out at all. Whether it is Mr. Trent's
plan----"

"But he would not wish to go without you."

"A few days ago, perhaps not. But others besides Virginia have changed.
That day when we rode up the Valley of the Shadow, as they call it, was
destined to be an eventful day for us all."

"You mean----"

"I mean that George Trent is a different man since he went to the Chateau
de la Roche."

A dark flush rose to Loria's forehead. "He met Madeleine Dalahaide?"

"One might think, from your expression and accent, that you were
jealous."

"One would think wrongly then. A man can't be in love with two women at
the same time."

"Can't he? I wasn't sure. Men are strange; perhaps there's something of
the dog in the manger about them, at times. At all events, George Trent
is much interested in the yachting trip, and he _doesn't_ want me to go.
Perhaps Miss Dalahaide is to be of the party; and in that case I should
be the odd woman. Not that it matters to me. George was pleasant to flirt
with but I should not marry again, unless I married money. Virginia's
great fortune comes from her father, George's step-father, who was
jealous of the mother's affection for the first husband's son, and
disliked him. George will accept nothing from Virginia, and has only what
his mother could leave him--a miserable five thousand dollars a year."

Loria scarcely listened. His level black brows were drawn together. "She
was reading a book about Noumea," he said slowly. "What if--no, it is
impossible--impossible!"

"What is impossible? If I am to help you, you must have no secrets from
me."

"She could not hope, if she went there, to see him. Bah! The bare thought
is monstrous."

"It is a little far-fetched," said Kate. "I should think the adventure
they are undertaking will be no more startling than an attempt to reach
the Second Cataract. The cannon _might_ be needed there, you know."

"That is true. But, Lady Gardiner, you must find out where they are
going, and let me know. A hundred diamond serpents would not be enough to
testify my gratitude. You mean to go with them?"

"If they will take me."

"They must take you. They must! You are my only hope, the only link that
will be l