The wind charged down upon them, slamming the door at their backs, extinguishing the broad shaft of light that had momentarily shot out into the darkness, and swept them a dozen yards away.

Gaining the lee of a madrono tree, Lance opened his blanketed arms, enfolded the girl, and felt her for one brief moment tremble and nestle in his bosom like some frightened animal.

"Well," he said, gayly, "what next ?" Flip recovered herself.

"You're safe now anywhere outside the house.

But did you expect them to-night ?" Lance shrugged his shoulders.