Little by little he realized that he had gained nothing, learned nothing.

Hampton had not even advanced a direct claim; he had dodged the real issue, leaving the soldier in the dark regarding his relationship to Naida, and erecting a barrier between the other two.

It was a masterpiece of defence, puzzling, irritating, seemingly impassable.

From the consideration of it all, Brant emerged with but one thought clearly defined--whoever she might prove to be, whatever was her present connection with Hampton, he loved this dark-eyed, auburn-haired waif.

He knew it now, and never again could he doubt it.