auty-sleep."

She lifted her face to kiss him. "It has been--lovely," she said. "I do
wish I needn't go back to-night. Do you think Aunt Mary would mind if I
stayed with you?"

He smiled at her whimsically. "Perhaps not, princess; but I am going to
take you back to her all the same. Say good-night to Aunt Stella! She
looks as if a good dose of bed would do her good."

Tommy, with his mask in his hand, came running up the verandah-steps,
and Tessa sprang to meet him.

"Oh, Tommy--darling, I have enjoyed myself so!"

He kissed her lightly. "That's all right, scaramouch. So have I. I must
get out of this toggery now double-quick. I suppose you are off in your
'rickshaw? I'll walk with you. It'll be on the way to the Club."

"Oh, how lovely! You on one side and Uncle St. Bernard on the other!"
cried Tessa.

"The princess will travel in state," observed Bernard. "Ah! Here comes
Peter with Scooter! Have your cloak on before you take him out!"

The cloak had fallen from the chair. Peter set down Scooter in his
prison, and picked it up. By the light of the bobbing, coloured lanterns
he placed it about her shoulders.

Tessa suddenly turned and sat down. "My shoe is undone," she said,
extending her foot with a royal air. "Where is the prince?"

The words were hardly out of her mouth before another sound escaped her
which she hastily caught back as though instinct had stifled it in her
throat. "Look!" she gasped.

Peter was nearest to her. He had bent to release Scooter, but like a
streak of light he straightened himself. He saw--before any one else had
time to realize--- the hideous thing that writhed in momentary
entanglement in the folds of Tessa's cloak, and then suddenly reared
itself upon her lap as she sat frozen stiff with horror.

He stooped over the child, his hands outspread, waiting for the moment
to swoop. "Missy _sahib_, not move--not move!" he said softly above her.
"My missy _sahib_ not going to be hurt. Peter taking care of Missy
_sahib_."

And, with glassy eyes fixed and white lips rigid, Tessa's strained
whisper came in answer. "O Lord, don't let it bite me!"

Tommy would have flung himself forward then, but Bernard caught and held
him. He had seen the look in the Indian's eyes, and he knew beyond all
doubting that Tessa was safe, if any human power could make her so.

Stella knew it also. In that moment Peter loomed gigantic to her. His
gleaming eyes and strangely smiling face held her spellbo