Lizette's heart gave a muffled thump of terror.
"My mistress is raving," she exclaimed. "Oh, Heaven, if I could only get away to the yacht and tell Mr. Mountcastle his wife is alive! I do not believe there is any big dog outside, as that woman says, for I have never heard one bark, and I've a great mind to try to get away and——"
But she did not finish her speech, for there was a rap at the door, and she opened it to admit Donald Kayne—Donald Kayne with a pale, startled face and glittering gray eyes.
"I have but just come in, and Mrs. Rhodus said you wanted me," he began, with cold courtesy.
"Yes, Mr. Kayne; I wanted to tell you that Mrs. Mountcastle's husband came to Fortune's Bay this afternoon. Look through those iron bars there, and you will see his yacht."
But he did not look from the window; he was gazing with troubled eyes at Nita's pale, excited face as it lay upon the pillow.
"I have seen the yacht, and I know that Dorian Mountcastle has come," he answered, in a strained voice, and added: "I have been told that he is very ill on board the yacht, and that his heart is breaking over the loss of his bride!"
Nita did not seem to be aware of the presence of her foe, although her brilliant eyes were wide open and staring. She threw out her hands with a desperate gesture, and cried out, in a voice of agony:
"The sailor will murder Dorian! See his knife, how it flashes in the air! Oh, Heaven, save my husband!"
Donald Kayne started and trembled with emotion.