From below, in the distance of the desert, there rose a loud cry in a strong man’s voice.
“Aha!” she exclaimed.
She called out in return in a warm, powerful voice. The man’s voice answered, nearer. She dropped her brand to the earth.
“Monsieur, you will come then—in half an hour?”
“Madame, with the most heartfelt pleasure. But let me accompany—”
“No, I am quite safe. And bring your men with you. We’ll make the best feast we can for them. And there’s enough champagne for all.”
Then she went away quickly, eagerly, into the darkness.
“To be her husband!” murmured De Trevignac. “Lucky—lucky fellow!” And he dropped his brand beside hers on the ground, and stood watching the two flames mingle.
“Lucky—lucky fellow!” he said again aloud. “I wonder what he’s like.”