she waited, and shortly before the dawn he emerged from the forest and walked dully toward his own charred cell.

“Hah, my friend,” she said to him, suddenly appearing from the shades. “I fear thy tardiness has defeated thee. Now thou’lt need to look to thyself, for the man Venner has vowed thy life to Dolores, and that of Tomlin.”

“What! Venner?”

“Surely. Why not? Is not Dolores worthy such a sacrifice then? Hah, but Venner is a man of decision. Thy eyes saw the treasure? It’s lost to thee — unless — ” she whispered, peering up into his angry face.

“Unless?”

“Unless thou prove the better man. Dolores would have thee before all the rest, friend; but she despises a waverer. I tell thee thy fortune is yet in thy hands.”