"I shall be happy to lead the expedition," said young Count Vos Engo, bowing deeply to the young lady herself.
"You shall, Vos Engo," said Halfont. "Prepare at once. Take ten men. I shall report to General Braze for you."
Tullis turned suddenly to the resentful girl. "Loraine," he said gently, as the others drew away, "don't be hard with me. You don't understand."
"Yes, I do," she said stubbornly. "You are in love with her."
"Yes; that's quite true."
"A married woman!"
"I can't help it. I must do all I can for her."
She looked into his honest eyes for a moment.
"Forgive me," she murmured, hanging her head. "What is Mr. King to us, after all?"
"He is simply paying for his foolhardiness. Americans do that the world over."