My clasp closed more tightly on her fingers, my resolve hardening. "He's only a man, perhaps sleepy and careless, while I am wide awake. One must be willing to assume risk in war. With the horse under me I have a chance, while on foot I should probably be caught before daylight. Don't worry; this is not my first attempt." "You--you mean to try?" "Certainly; I should be a poor specimen if I did not. But I am going to say good-bye to you first, and then lie here quietly until you are safely in the house." She drew in a quick breath, her face lifting. "The house! I am going to remain here." "But the risk you run, and you can be of no help." "Oh, don't argue!" impatiently. "There is no more risk of my discovery here than there. I want to know what happens; I would rather face anything than suspense. Lieutenant Galesworth, I have always had my way, and I shall now." Down in my heart I rejoiced at her decision, but all I said was: "Very well, Miss Willifred, it makes me feel like a knight going forth to battle under the eyes of his lady." The slight flutter of a ribbon at her throat caught my eye, and I touched it with my finger. "May I wear this in token of your good wishes?" "You--you are not going to kill any one?" "Not if it can possibly be avoided." She was silent a moment, so still I could hear her breathing; then her hands undid the ribbon knot, and she held it toward me. "I--I do wish you well," she said softly. "I--don't know why, but I do." CHAPTER XIII I MEET LE GAIRE My hand touching her own seemed to work a sudden transformation. She was instantly upon her feet facing me, drawing back a little against the grape arbor. "Do not take my words so seriously," she exclaimed. "I am excited, almost hysterical to-night. To-morrow I shall regret much I have done and said. But you must go, Lieutenant; every moment of delay adds to your peril and mine. No; please do not touch me or speak to me again; only listen--there is a bridle path leading directly from the farther corner of the stable to the river; a gate will let you out of the orchard lot; now go!" "You will not even shake hands?" "I--I--yes, of course, I will do that." Our fingers clasped, and we stood face to face, our eyes meeting through the darkness. The thrill of contact, the wild hope that this girl really cared unusually for me, became almost overpowering. I longed to crush her in my arms, to pour into her ears the passionate words that burned on my lips. I forgot everything except her presence, her nearness, the soft pressure of her hand. "Billie! Billie!" "No! No!" and she had instantly released herself. "You forget yourself; you forget my position. Now it is good-bye." "You positively mean this?" "I do. I am a soldier's daughter, Lieutenant Galesworth, and I am trusting you to act as a soldier and a gentleman."