The thick voice of the colonel made reply in spluttering oaths. "No more of that," said Hemming, fiercely. Marion heard the crunch of his heels on the path as he wheeled. Cuddlehead held his breath, the better to hear, and a quotation about a house divided against itself came imperfectly to his mind. The heavy footsteps of the native officer were heard retreating. Presently Hemming rounded the hedge of roses, and stood by the fountain. By the faint starlight the watchers saw that he was smiling. He lit a cigarette with deliberate care, and dropped the match into the shallow basin of the fountain. He lit another match and looked at his watch. He had the air of one keeping a tryst. Santosa came out of the shadows beyond, booted and spurred. The two men shook hands, and whispered together. Their backs were turned square upon the occupants of the bench. Then Hemming produced a long packet of papers and gave them to Santosa. "Mr. Tetson has signed them all," he said, "and the major will see to the business part of it. Impress the importance of the matter upon him, and then hurry back, for I'm afraid these idiots intend making this unpleasant for us. And now, old man, good luck and God bless you. It is a fine night for a ride." "A beautiful night," replied Santosa, "and on such a night I must either make love to my friends or trouble for my enemies." He turned on his heel and clanked away. All this time Marion had sat as one spellbound. Now she looked toward the other end of the stone seat. Cuddlehead had gone. She called to Hemming. He started at the sound of her voice. "You here?" he said. "Yes, and so was Mr. Cuddlehead a moment ago. But he sneaked off, the little cad." "Did he see the papers?" he asked. "Yes, I'm sure he did," she replied. "You had better run into the house," he said. "I'll look for the spy." Marion hastened indoors, and told Hicks all she knew about the trouble. The young man looked deeply concerned. "I wish Hemming had come to us a year ago," he exclaimed. "Could he have helped it?" she asked. "I believe he would have opened our eyes, dear, before things got into such an awful mess," replied her lover. "But surely we are not in any danger," she urged. "Surely Mr. Hemming and father can quiet them." "Our lives are safe enough, but the little fools may break some windows. You see, dear, the President and I have not watched them as we should. We have let them rob us right and left, and now, when Hemming tries to spoil their game, and force them to divvy up, they evidently want to bully us. It's in their blood, you know,--this revolution business." Having thus unbosomed himself, Hicks leaned weakly back in his chair. "Dearest," he said, presently, "will you bring me my Winchester--it's in the boot closet--and that bag of cartridges on my writing-table." The girl brought them, and Hicks oiled the breech of the rifle.