, so that Philip without offence for a
moment held her in his arms. She saw him coming, one high, fair head
conspicuous above the rest; she saw him looking aside, turning aside,
when instinctively she knew that what he beheld was a thief bound and
beaten according to the custom and law of the fishers. As he halted,
overlooking the circle, she read by nods exchange of question and answer.
And then on he came again. One or two turned and looked after him: that
she noted.

She was moaning and rocking for pain, though she did not know it; she was
white and cold, for fear so held her heart's blood that not even the
agony of shame she felt for Christian could urge any to her face. She
tried to go forward, but only got free from Philip to find she could
barely stand, and must hold by the sea-wall. So Christian's face came
near to be read, and lo! it was utterly blank: no anger, no pain, no
shame, altered it by a line; but the lips were grey, and as he set eyes
on Philip quickly he crossed himself. Then he saw Rhoda, and oh! the
comfort to her of his strong, quiet grasp, and his eyes, and his voice.

Throbbing yet from Rhoda's warm weight, struck with vivid misdoubt and
fear of the alien, Philip forgot control, and the natural man looked out
for one moment with glance of hot challenge at his born rival. He met no
response: Christian regarded him with resolute mild eyes, without
jealousy, or resentment, or any perplexity, till he grew confounded and a
little ashamed.

'Take me home,' entreated Rhoda; and Christian, without a question or a
comment, took her hand to lead. For one dreadful moment, breathless to
Rhoda, he looked back and stood. Against his palm hers lay listening: it
was mute, to her nerved apprehension telling nothing. Then home.

What could the loon mean with his signing? thought Philip, shaken by a
doubt. Nothing, nothing--blank madness. Nevertheless, his sudden,
shameful fear of the Alien did not soon lie down to sleep again.

A further proving awaited Christian and Philip. To Giles came Rhoda.

'He says--Philip,' she began, choking, 'that except he--he--shall excel
in the contests to-day, Christian will be wanted for saving to our fleet
its lead on the coast. Oh, he must not!--he shall not! And he said, with
his hateful airs, that he would do his best--to spare Christian. And he
said, if he failed at that, he could yet promise that none should offend
Christian with impunity while he stood by--he--he.' Ther