“If it is Egerton,” he observed grimly, “he won’t have everything his own way. He’ll be amenable enough when he finds he hasn’t only women to bully.” Andria started. “He mustn’t find you here!” she cried. “Perhaps he has come to take us away. You must go back to the quarters till I find out what he means to do.” “We can’t go away and leave him here!” said Beryl sharply, pointing to Heriot. “We won’t. If Egerton means to take us back to England we’ll make him take Mr. Heriot, too. He mayn’t know how dreadful things are here--he may be better than we think.” “He knows, honey,” said Salome pitifully. “Don’t you put no trust in dat.” “You must hide, don’t you see it?” Andria repeated. “This is Egerton’s house. If he finds you here he can turn you out. And then what help could you be to us?” “He’d have his work cut out,” Heriot returned, almost smiling, standing straight and tall among the three women. “He wouldn’t cut out no more’n he could do,” observed Salome dryly. “Dat crew on board dat yacht is all cutthroat dagos, dey’d do whatever he tell ’em, knife you or drown you. I been six years in dis house, and you mind me--dey ain’t no chance here in a fight for any one but Mr. Egerton heself!” “If you want to help us,” begged Andria, “go into the quarters and wait. Chloe and Amelia Jane won’t tell, they’re too frightened of him to speak to him if they can help it.” It was the best way. To see a strange man here might turn Egerton’s good intentions into bad ones. “Oh, I can’t!” said Heriot, with an angry laugh. “I’d rather have things out with the man.” A slim, cool hand was on his wrist as he spoke. “Wait and see,” said Beryl. “Please, Mr. Heriot. Then if he means badly to us you’ll be here to help us.” Voice and touch were exactly like a child’s. Heriot flushed as he met the tawny eyes that were so innocent. “All right,” he returned reluctantly. “But if there’s going to be any delay about taking you away from this you’ll let me know, won’t you?” Andria nodded. This girl, fresh from the convent, had bent the man’s will as all her own worldly wisdom could not do. She glanced from one to the other with a pang at her heart. Love was a bitter thing. If it grew up between them how would it end? She bit her lip, remembering her own love’s beginning. Salome had run out into the veranda. She came back now frowning with excitement. “It’s him, he’s back! Coming up de path wid two sailors,” she cried. “Whatever’ll we do if he sees Mr. Heriot?” “He won’t!” said Beryl promptly. “Mr. Heriot’s going into the quarters to wait and see what happens. Chloe and Amelia won’t tell.” “Ain’t no sense in trusting dem niggers. You stay here, and I’ll tell ’em you’re gone--went last night. Dey won’t tell you’s been here when dey might tell you is here,” she said shrewdly, and she was off and back before it seemed possible. “Come, down de side stairs,” she whispered. “Chloe and ’Melia’s comin’ up de front ones now to get ready master’s room. Hurry!”