But De Sylva may not agree with this fop of an
officer, and, in any event, we must go straight with him until he shows
his teeth."
"You seem to dislike Captain San Benavides," she said inconsequently.
"I regard him as a brainless ass," he exclaimed.
"Somehow, that sounds like a description of a dead donkey, which one
never sees."
"Mademoiselle!" came a voice from the lip of the ravine.
"One can hear him, though," laughed Hozier, with a warning pressure
that suspiciously resembled a hug. These two were children, in some
respects, quicker to jest than to grieve, better fitted for mirth than
tragedy.
They moved out from their niche, and San Benavides blustered into
vehement French.
"We are going to the landing-place before it is too dark," he muttered
angrily. "We must not show a light; in a few minutes the path will be
most dangerous. Please make haste, mademoiselle. We did not know
where you had gone."
"The men knew," suggested Hozier in the girl's ear. He dared not trust
either his temper or his vocabulary.
"We shall lose no time, now, monsieur," said Iris, hurrying on.
"This way then. No, we do not pass the cave. We go right round the
cliff. Permit me, mademoiselle. I am acquainted with each step."
He took her hand. Philip followed.
Pages:
138
139
140
141
142
143
144
145
146
147
148
149
150
151
152
153
154
155
156
157
158
159
160
161
162