It is more than she can bear. The strength born of her strong excitement deserts her. Mamma's eyes burn into her own; she feels her hot, baleful breath upon her cheek; hears the horrible words hissed so close to her ear; and with a low moan falls forward, to be caught in the arms of Franz Francoise, where she lies pallid and senseless. "Git out!" says Franz, as he lifts her and turns toward Mamma. "You've done it now, you old cat. Let me lay her down." He carries Leslie to the bed, and places her upon it so gently that Mamma sneers and glares upon him scornfully. "Ye're a fool, Franz Francoise." [Illustration: "Now mark my words: You will never find her. She will never see daylight again."--page 354.] "Shet up, you! Ye've got somethin' to do besides talk. D'ye mean to have her die on our hands?" "'Twon't matter much, it seems." "I tell ye 'twill matter. Do ye think this thing's settled? Not much. We're goin' ter bring her to terms yet, but she's got ter be alive first." She turns upon him a look in which anger and admiration are curiously mingled. "'Tain't no use, Franzy; that gal won't give in now." "I tell ye she will. You've tried your hand; now I'll try mine. Bring the girl out o' this faint, an' I'll manage her. Do what ye can, then git yer doctor. Ye'd better not have him come here ef ye kin manage without him; but go see him, git what she needs, an'," with a significant wink, "ye might say that she don't rest well and git a few sleepin' powders." "Franz," chuckles Mamma, beginning her work of restoration with bustling activity, "ye ought to be a general. I'm proud of ye." CHAPTER XLIX. A WELCOME PRESCRIPTION. Savage Mamma Francoise was not an unskillful nurse, and Leslie was soon restored to consciousness. But not to strength; the little that she had gained was spent by that long interview, with all its attendant conflicting emotions, and Leslie lay, strengthless once more, at the mercy of her enemies. After much thinking, Mamma had decided that Franz had offered sound advice, and having exhausted her own resources, she set out to consult Doctor Bayless. Her visit was in every way satisfactory. Doctor Bayless manifested no undue curiosity; seemed to comprehend the case as Mamma put it; prepared the necessary remedies, and spoke encouragingly of the patient. "These relapses occur often after fevers," he said; "the result of too much ambition. You understand about the drops, yes? These powders you will administer properly; not too often, remember. Careful nursing will do the rest. Ah, good-day." * * * * *