She regarded him critically.
“No!” she said, “you are deceiving me!—you are—you paid the money, also!” she cried.
“What matters it?” he said joyfully. “What 330 matters anything now? Macloud and I did pay the ransom to-day—but of what consequence is it; whether you bought your freedom, or we bought it, or both bought it? You and Davila are here, again—that’s the only thing that matters!”
“Right you are! Geoffrey, right you are!” came Macloud’s voice from the hallway, and Davila and he walked into the room.
Elaine, with a little shriek, sprang up.
“Don’t be bashful!” said Macloud. “Davila and I were occupying similar positions at Ashburton, a short time ago. Weren’t we, little girl?” as he made a motion to put his arm around her.
Davila eluded him—though the traitor red confirmed his words—and sought Elaine’s side for safety.
“It’s a pleasure only deferred, my dear!” he laughed. “By the way, Elaine, how did Croyden happen to give in? He was shying off at your wealth—said it would be giving hostages to fortune, and all that rot.”
“Shut up, you beggar!” Croyden exclaimed. “I’m going to try to make good.”
“Geoffrey,” said Elaine, “won’t you show us the old pirate’s letter—we’re all interested in it, now.”