share our secret; none save the slaves that I shall place in thy ship to replace thy dead crew. Thy friends may not go. They must not live to see thee go!”

Venner shivered, and drew back, holding her at arms’ length and staring at her in horror.

“What are you saying, Dolores?” he gasped. “My friends are to die?”

“Yes, and by thy hand, my Rupert. For how else may I know thou are worthy to be mate to a queen?”

“Now, by Heaven! Witch, siren, whatever you are, my madness has passed!” he cried. “Not for the key to a paradise peopled with such as you would I do this!” He stepped aside, picked up her dagger, and glared at her with steely eyes.