s the right thing, serious as the results might have been
or might yet be. He now promptly met the French officer's exuberance of
spirits with a hearty gaiety, and drank his wine with genial compliment
and happy anecdote. It was late when they parted; the Frenchman excited,
beaming, joyous, the Englishman responsive, but cool in mind still.

III

After breakfast next morning Shorland expressed to M. Barre his
intention of going to see Gabrielle Rouget. He was told that he must not
go alone; a guard would be too conspicuous and might invite trouble; he
himself would bear him company.

The hot January day was reflected from the red streets, white houses,
and waxen leaves of the tropical foliage with enervating force. An
occasional ex-convict sullenly lounged by, touching his cap as he
was required by law; a native here and there leaned idly against a
house-wall or a magnolia tree; ill-looking men and women loitered in the
shade. A Government officer went languidly by in full uniform--even the
Governor wore uniform at all times to encourage respect--and the cafes
were filling. Every hour was "absinthe-hour" in Noumea, which had
improved on Paris in this particular. A knot of men stood at the door
of the Cafe Voisin gesticulating nervously. One was pointing to a notice
posted on the bulletin-board of the cafe announcing that all citizens
must hold themselves in readiness to bear arms in case the rumoured
insurrection among the natives proved serious. It was an evil-looking
company who thus discussed Governor Rapont's commands. As the two
passed in, Shorland noticed that one of the group made a menacing action
towards Alencon Barre.

Gabrielle was talking to an ex-convict as they entered. Her face looked
worn; there was a hectic spot on each cheek and dark circles round the
eyes. There was something animal-like about the poise of the head and
neck, something intense and daring about the woman altogether. Her
companion muttered between his teeth: "The cursed English spy!"

But she turned on him sharply: "Go away, Gaspard, I have business. So
have you--go." The ex-convict slowly left the cafe still muttering.

"Well, Gabrielle, how are your children this morning? They look gloomy
enough for the guillotine, eh?" said M. Barre.

"They are much trouble, sometimes--my children."

"Last night, for instance."

"Last night. But monsieur was unwise. We do not love the English here.
They do not find it comfortable on Englis