eing a great catch"--and the
shrug of her shoulders finished her answer.

"Well, I don't think he will have to force his attentions on the rest of
the young ladies around Halifax by the aid of a revolver anyway, if all
they say of the young man is true. He is well liked, I hear, by all who
know him. And so you won't have him?"

"No, I won't promise to marry any man, however rich he is, who would ask
it with a revolver in his possession to enforce it. I should hate him for
it."

"There spoke the woman's heart; a loaded revolver is hardly a lover's
weapon, I'll admit. What a bit of romance this will be for my wife! Have I
your permission to tell it?"

"Just as you like; but please do not tell anyone else--your soldier
friends, I mean."

"Certainly not, if you wish it; but young ladies usually like to boast of
their conquests."

"Well, on all other points McNeil is sensible, and, as he will probably
marry someone else some day, it will not be pleasant to have this affair
become known."

CHAPTER XXX.

It was quite dark when they reached the wharf, and Dexie was wondering if
Lancy knew of her absence when she saw his well-known figure outlined
against the sky.

He did not know that the object of his anxious thoughts was so near, as he
stood looking seaward, with a dark frown upon his face.

As the soldier moored the little boat, and prepared to help Dexie ashore,
she suddenly said: "I gave you the revolver, but will you mind giving me
the rest of the bullets in it?"

He looked at her in surprise.

"Certainly," he replied, and he laid them in her hand, "but I think you
will find them unpleasant reminders of an incident you would do well to
forget. A man in love is often a desperate individual, without realizing
his condition; and I have no doubt that, by this time, McNeil would do much
to recall what passed this afternoon. So let me ask you, for him, to
forgive it."

"I could forgive all but the _revolver_ part of it. That was premeditated,
and I shall not forget it. Let me thank you again for your kind assistance.
I shall always think better of the soldiers for your kindness to me."

"I am amply repaid, my fair warbler," replied the soldier, as they stood at
last on the wharf, "and if your excitable lover ever asks for his revolver,
here is my address," and he handed her a card; "but, if I mistake not, a
friend is waiting for you," and he waved his hand towards Lancy.

At that moment Lancy turned,