e," said Durand in French. "It is a trap. We must not
be caught here!"

"Yes; you'd better go," said Claiborne, yawning and settling himself in a
new pose with his back still to the fireplace. "I don't believe Armitage
will care if I use his bungalow occasionally during my sojourn in the
hills; and if you will be so kind as to leave my horse well tied out
there somewhere I believe I'll go to bed. I'm sorry, Mr. Chauvenet, that
I can't just remember who introduced you to me and my family. I owe that
person a debt of gratitude for bringing so pleasant a scoundrel to my
notice."

He stepped to the table, his hands in his pockets, and bowed to them.

"Good night, and clear out," and he waved his arm in dismissal.

"Come!" said Durand peremptorily, and as Chauvenet hesitated, Durand
seized him by the arm and pulled him toward the door.

As they mounted and turned to go they saw Claiborne standing at the
table, lighting a cigarette from one of the candles. He walked to the
veranda and listened until he was satisfied that they had gone; then went
in and closed the door. He picked up the cloak and sword and restored the
insignia to the silver box. The sword he examined with professional
interest, running his hand over the embossed scabbard, then drawing the
bright blade and trying its balance and weight.

As he held it thus, heavy steps sounded at the rear of the house, a door
was flung open and Armitage sprang into the room with Oscar close at his
heels.

CHAPTER XXIII

THE VERGE OF MORNING

O to mount again where erst I haunted;
Where the old red hills are bird-enchanted,
And the low green meadows
Bright with sward;
And when even dies, the million-tinted,
And the night has come, and planets glinted,
Lo! the valley hollow,
Lamp-bestarr'd.

--R.L.S.

"I hope you like my things, Captain Claiborne!"

Armitage stood a little in advance, his hand on Oscar's arm to check the
rush of the little man.

Claiborne sheathed the sword, placed it on the table and folded his arms.

"Yes; they are very interesting."

"And those ribbons and that cloak,--I assure you they are of excellent
quality. Oscar, put a blanket on this gentleman's horse. Then make some
coffee and wait."

As Oscar closed the door, Armitage crossed to the table, flung down his
gauntlets and hat and turned to Claiborne.

"I didn't expect this of you; I really didn't expect it. Now that you
have found me, what in the