His blue eyes fixed themselves on mine with a cat-like malevolence. "You might have a worse ending," he said softly. "I am not a very safe person to quarrel with." There was a venom in his tone which spoke volumes as to his sincerity, but unless it was intended to frighten me the warning was a little superfluous. "I shan't grumble at the bill," I replied. "I am always ready to pay well, especially when I have really enjoyed myself." Then, turning the handle, I stepped out into the passage, and closed the door behind me. CHAPTER THIRTEEN I found Christine standing on the deck at the head of the companion-way. She looked terribly pale, and as I approached she started towards me with a little sob of relief. "Oh, thank God!" she whispered. "Thank God you're safe!" She took my hands, and a low cry escaped her at the sight of their scarred and bleeding knuckles. "It's nothing, darling," I said reassuringly. "That's only a little blood from Manning's nose. He's got plenty left to go on with." With something between a laugh and another sob she let her head sink forward against my shoulder. "Don't think me a coward. I--I'm not one really. It was just having to wait here and----" "A coward!" I interrupted. "Why, I think you're the bravest girl that ever stepped this earth." I put my arms round her, and for one dear moment she lay there passive and still, like a tired, contented child. Then, suddenly releasing herself, she gazed round in a kind of startled panic. "But we mustn't stay here," she exclaimed hurriedly. "We must go at once." "I suppose you're right," I admitted with some reluctance. "What's happened to that ruffian Craill?" "He went off in the other boat just after I arrived. He might come back at any moment." "Well, I want to see him," I said; "but I don't think I'll wait now. It's a pity to cram all one's pleasures into one afternoon." She laid her hands pleadingly on my sleeve. "Do what I ask," she begged. "Promise me you will go straight back to the island as soon as you have taken me ashore?" "I am not going to take you ashore," I said. "You are coming home with me." She made a quick gesture of protest, but I went on without giving her time to answer. "There's no other way out of it," I said, speaking with the utmost seriousness. "After what's happened this afternoon you have simply got to tell me the truth. Don't you see, dear, you and I are in this together, and unless I know----" "Yes, yes," she interrupted breathlessly, "I must tell you; I had already made up my mind to do it." She paused in piteous hesitation. "I daren't come to the island, though," she added; "if anyone saw us----" "No one can possibly see us," I objected. "It's a hundred times safer than any other place. We can talk comfortably there, and I can row you ashore afterwards and land you wherever you like. This fog's not going to lift for another twenty-four hours."