"Surely that is what you wish!"

"What I wish? No, no! What do I care—what does it matter!" The words were pouring incoherently from his trembling lips. "I understand—you were desperate—you didn't know me; even if you had, it would make no difference. Don't you understand—nothing can make any difference now!"

She shivered a little; then she drew away, looking at him.

"You mean," she stammered; "you mean that you still—that you still——"

"Little comrade!" he said, and held out his arms.

She lifted her eyes to his—wavered toward him——

"Halt!" cried a voice outside the window, and an instant later there came a heavy hammering on the street door.


CHAPTER IX

THE FRONTIER