that it struck his foot, and he gave voice to a deep oath, terrible in its uncalled-for savagery. Then Dolores gave them outward notice for the first time.

With a low, pleasant laugh, she stepped quickly to Tomlin’s side, laid a hand on his sullen head, and forced him to look up at her.

“I owe thee something, friend,” she smiled, and Tomlin flushed hotly under her close regard. “I treated thee badly in my haste. Come” — she went to the sideboard, filled another cup with wine, and came back, kneeling before Tomlin in the attitude of a slave while her big eyes blazed full into his.

“Drink, for I like thee best,” she whispered, sipping the wine and putting the brim, warm from her lips, to his.