aid to disclose her identity. Then,
overcoming her hesitancy, she said, "I am Julia Strong."

On hearing the name, the outward calm which he had maintained vanished,
leaving him pale, agitated, apprehensive. Presently a mounting anger
succeeded all other emotions, and he rose to his feet.

"What do you mean by coming here at this hour?" he demanded savagely.
"You came here to warn me!--really, you overestimate my credulity!"

"I did come here to warn you," she persisted.

"And to betray George Collins!" The note of irony in his voice brought
the blood to her cheeks.

"I don't want him to kill you," she said, controlling a clutch in her
voice. "I want you to live. It is necessary--all my hopes and
aspirations demand it."

He was on the point of making a sharp retort, but checked himself
suddenly and regarded her with less aversion. Perhaps she was telling
the truth! If so, the situation in which he found himself was not
without its touch of grim humor. But what motive prompted her to extend
the mantle of protection about him, and simultaneously to betray George
Collins? He pondered the question a full minute. Then the simple
solution, the only tenable one, occurred to him. She was ready to betray
Collins for the same reason that had made her accept his protection.

"Madam," he said, with an eagerness he did not mean to betray, "knowing
who you are, now I can guess at the nature of your hopes and
aspirations. And you did right in coming to me. From what my detectives
have communicated to me, I am led to believe that you are a woman with a
keen appreciation of worldly comfort and luxury. I say this, without
intending the slightest offense. You are aware, undoubtedly, that I am
able to supply you with all you crave for--far in excess of anything
that you can possibly hope to obtain from Collins. If you will consent
to appear at my lawyer's office and make an affidavit----"

The changed expression on her face made him pause. She had risen and
stood facing him, her eyes blazing resentment, her lips curled in a
disdainful smile.

"I don't care to listen to your offensive utterances," she said, gazing
at him as if to impale him with her glance. "I'm sorry I came.
Good-night."

With an angry movement she donned her rich cloak, wrapping it about her
figure and moving toward the door. He followed her with his eyes, until
he saw her pass into the vestibule. Then he hastened forward and opened
the street door.

She des