while I'm in the kitchen."

When she returned with food, Latisan, flushed, eager, only partially
assured, looked her in the eye, challenging her candor. "That's straight
talk, is it?"

"It is!"

"I thank God! But why--right here in the open--where I can't----"

"I'll answer no questions."

"I'd like to know why you picked out this place to tell me. I can't be
shut away from all the glory in the grandest moment of my life! I want
to get up and yell for joy. I want to take you in my arms."

"I'll not allow that. Furthermore, you are to leave for the drive
immediately after you have eaten your breakfast." Her manner cowed him.

"Very well!" he returned, meekly. "When I looked into your eyes I knew
that your word to me was good!"

She was finding the fixity of his gaze disconcerting and leaned above
the table, arranging the dishes which contained his food. She was
grateful for the protection the public room was affording; she would not
have been able to declare herself in the privacy which love, in most
circumstances, demands.

"Who are you?" he asked, in a half whisper, taking advantage of her
nearness. "You are more than you seem to be. You are, I say! You are not
silly and selfish like most girls in a time like this. You are able to
make me do anything you ask. I'll go north and fight because you want me
to. But an ordinary girl wouldn't take a big view of things, as you do."

"Yes--for the sake of having a man be what he ought to be."

He wagged his head doubtfully. "But if you'll tell me the honest truth
about----"

"Hush! Here comes a man."

It was Crowley. He had looked from his chamber window and had seen the
two in conversation in front of the tavern. He was strictly on the job
that day; he had dressed in such a hurry that he was tying his necktie
as he entered the room. He sat down at a table and glared grimly at
Latisan and the girl; provided with ammunition that fortified his
courage, Crowley had resolved to make his bigness in the matter,
unafraid.

His appearance at that moment and the manner of his espionage and the
memory of what had been said concerning his pursuit of the girl stirred
Latisan to the depths. His emotions had been in a tumult ever since the
girl had declared her promise. He was in no mood to reason calmly. He
could not control himself. He purposed to go to what he thought was his
duty as her accepted champion. Therefore, he leaped from his chair, put
his arm about her waist