There was silence, save for the Egyptian's sobs. Halliwell's heart was touched, and he drew nearer her. "My poor girl----" He stopped. Was she crying? Was she not laughing at him rather? He became red. The gypsy peeped at him between her fingers, and saw that he was of two minds. She let her hands fall from her face, and undoubtedly there were tears on her cheeks. "If you're no angry wi' me," she said, sadly, "how will you no look at me?" "I am looking at you now." He was very close to her, and staring into her wonderful eyes. I am older than the Captain, and those eyes have dazzled me. "Captain dear." She put her hand in his. His chest rose. He knew she was seeking to beguile him, but he could not take his eyes off hers. He was in a worse plight than a woman listening to the first whisper of love. Now she was further from him, but the spell held. She reached the door, without taking her eyes from his face. For several seconds he had been as a man mesmerised. Just in time he came to. It was when she turned from him to find the handle of the door. She was turning it when his hand fell on hers so suddenly that she screamed. He twisted her round. [Illustration: CAPTAIN HALLIWELL.] "Sit down there," he said hoarsely, pointing to the chair upon which he had flung his cloak. She dared not disobey. Then he leant against the door, his back to her, for just then he wanted no one to see his face. The gypsy sat very still and a little frightened. Halliwell opened the door presently, and called to the soldier on duty below. "Davidson, see if you can find the sheriff. I want him. And Davidson----" The captain paused. "Yes," he muttered, and the old soldier marvelled at his words, "it is better. Davidson, lock this door on the outside." Davidson did as he was ordered, and again the Egyptian was left alone with Halliwell. "Afraid of a woman!" she said, contemptuously, though her heart sank when she heard the key turn in the lock. "I admit it," he answered, calmly. He walked up and down the room, and she sat silently watching him. "That story of yours about the sheriff was not true," he said at last. "I suspect it wasna," answered the Egyptian coolly. "Hae you been thinking about it a' this time? Captain, I could tell you what you're thinking now. You're wishing it had been true, so that the ane o' you couldna lauch at the other." "Silence!" said the captain, and not another word would he speak until he heard the sheriff coming up the stair. The Egyptian trembled at his step, and rose in desperation. "Why is the door locked?" cried the sheriff, shaking it. "All right," answered Halliwell; "the key is on your side." At that moment the Egyptian knocked the lamp off the table, and the room was at once in darkness. The officer sprang at her, and, catching her by the skirt, held on. "Why are you in darkness?" asked the sheriff, as he entered. "Shut the door," cried Halliwell. "Put your back to it."