I FORCE BILLIE TO LISTEN There was a narrow settee against the wall, and I sat down upon it, to think and to wait for Hardy's return.

Eager as I was to discover the cause of Le Gaire's death, yet it seemed almost more important that Billie be brought to an understanding of conditions.

Her father could scarcely fail this time to relate in full the details of our encounter, and the girl would realize at once her injustice toward me.

I hardly knew what I dared hope as a result, but she was impulsive, warm-hearted, and would surely endeavor to make amends.

Bell came back from the front of the house.
"Some fight going on out there," indicating the north and east, "and seems to be drifting this way." "Our fellows are driving you," I replied.