I shall kill myself--I know I shall." He made no answer, but only came always nearer, till at last his strong arms closed round her shrinking form and drew her to him as easily as though she were a babe.

And then all at once she seemed to yield.

That embrace was the outward sign of his cruel mastery, and she struggled no more, mentally or physically.
"Will you marry me, darling--will you marry me ?" he whispered, with his lips so close to the golden curls that Jess, straining her ears outside, could only just catch the words-- "Oh, I suppose so; but I shall die--it will kill me." He strained her to his heart and kissed her beautiful face again and again, until Jess heard the heavy footsteps of the returning sentry, and saw Muller leave go of her.

Then Jantje caught Jess by the hand, dragging her away from the wall, and presently she was once more ascending the hill-side towards the Hottentot's kennel.

She had desired to find out how matters stood, and she had found out indeed.