"I don't feel a bit like a swallow, and I am sure I can't twitter, and as for Algeria, a home of sunshine--well, just look at it!" She waved a hand at the darkening panorama of hills and pine woods, all etched in black lines and masses, where rocks and trees and houses broke the dead white of the snow mantle. They happened to be crossing a bridge that spans the Orlegna before it takes its first frantic plunge towards Italy. Bower, who had quickened his pace, took the gesture as a signal, and sent an answering flourish. Helen stopped. He evidently wished to overtake them. "More explanations," murmured Spencer. "But he was mistaken. I was calling Nature to witness that your simile was not justified." "Tell you what," he said in a low voice, "if this storm has blown over by the morning, meet me after breakfast, and we will walk down the valley to Vicosoprano for luncheon. There is a diligence back in the afternoon. We can stroll there in three hours, and I shall have time to clear up this swallow proposition." "That will be delightful, if the weather improves." "It will. I will compel it." Bower was nearing them rapidly. A constrained silence fell between them. To end it, Helen cried: "Well, are you feeling duly humbled, Mr. Bower?" He did not seem to understand her meaning. Apparently, he might have forgotten that Stampa still lived. Then he roused his wits with an effort. "Not humbled, but elated," he said. "Have I not led you to feats of derring-do? Why, the Wragg girls will be green with envy when they hear of your exploits." He swung round the corner to the bridge. After a smiling glance at Spencer's impassive face, he turned to Helen. "You have come out of the ordeal with flying colors," he said. "That flower you picked on the way up has not withered. Give it to me as a memento." The words were almost a challenge. The girl hesitated. "No," she said. "I must find you some other souvenir." "But I want that--if----" "There is no 'if.' You forget that I took it from--from the boulder marked by a cross." "I am not superstitious." "Nor am I. Nevertheless, I should not care to give you such a symbol." She caught Bower and Spencer exchanging a strange look. These men shared some secret that they sedulously kept from her. Perhaps the American meant to enlighten her during their projected walk to Vicosoprano. Stampa and the others approached. Together they climbed the little hill leading to the summit of the pass. In the village they said "Good night" to the two guides and Karl. Helen promised laughingly to make the acquaintance of Johann Klucker's cat at the first opportunity. She was passing through a wicket that protects the footpath across the golf links, when she heard Stampa growl: "_Morgen frueh!_" "_Ja!_" snapped Bower.