“But how will it benefit them, if the papers are already in their possession?” “You will forgive me if I find it possible to doubt.” She turned away from him and studied the lines of foam that streamed across the green troughs of the sea. “I suppose that conversation between us two is superfluous. You distrust me and I----” “I think perhaps,” he said gravely, “that it would be pleasanter for both of us not to hear your sentiments toward me. Since the night of Lady Heathcote’s dinner in London you ceased to be Miss Doris Mather and became merely an official document. It is my duty to preserve it and deliver it safely.” “I hope you may succeed. Otherwise the American Ambassador in Berlin may----” “Unfortunately,” he went on quietly, “the American Ambassador cannot be informed.” She laughed with a greater confidence than she felt. “You surely can’t believe that my absence from England will pass unnoticed. Do you think that my father--that Lady Heathcote----” She paused bewildered. “They will merely know that you rode late at night to Ben-a-Chielt and that your horse was found riderless on the moor.” She buried her face in her hands and a sob broke from her throat. It was true. They would think her dead. For the first time she really was able to think of things in their true aspect. “It’s cruel,” she gasped. “How could you!” He was too wise to touch her or even by his manner to show too deep a sympathy. “I am sorry,” he said coolly, “awfully sorry. As you know, I would have had things different. You may still doubt me when I say that what I have done is the hardest task that I ever undertook in my life. But that is true. You were the only person in England who jeopardized my existence there. I had to take you away. I regret the necessity of having to use force. I shall do what I can here upon the _Sylph_ to counteract the unpleasant impression of my brutality. I am not a bully and a woman-baiter. I am a spoke in the wheel of destiny which you had clogged. By all the rules of the game you should have died. Reasons which I need not mention made your death at my hands an impossibility. So I merely removed you to a place of safety. No harm shall come to you, I pledge my honor.” “Thanks,” she said dully, struggling up, her face away from him. And then dauntlessly, “Small a thing as it is, I must be content with that.” She had risen and turned, “And now, if you don’t mind, I will go below. I would prefer to be alone. If, as you protest, you would do me kindness, you will not ask to see me.” He bowed. “I have given instructions that you shall be allowed to do as you please. Mrs. Madden will furnish you with all that you require both I think of linen and toilet articles. I shall not try to see you again until we land.”