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Updated: June 17, 2025
Somehow this suddenly recurring memory left me hot and angry. I disliked Le Gaire; from the very first moment of gazing into his dark, sneering eyes I had felt antagonism, a disposition to quarrel; but now something more potent rose between us the girl. I was not blind to the man's attractions; I could easily understand how he could find way to a girl's heart.
Every nerve tingled, yet not a muscle moved, and I smiled into his face, truly glad it had come to this. "Personal combat is not a habit with us, Captain Le Gaire," I said coldly. "But in this case you will not find me seeking escape. I am very much at your service." "Now?" his eyes blazing. "The quicker the better. Who seconds you?" "Major Hardy, of course "
This was all most confusing, and yet the light was coming. Here was the secret of her sudden dislike for me. Her hand was already upon the knob of her own door, and she did not so much as glance back. What could I say? What ought I to say? Beyond doubt, uncertain as to her real feelings toward Le Gaire, Hardy had not revealed to her the fellow's disgraceful action.
I would search the house for Le Gaire, endeavor to have one word with her alone, and then retire to a place of greater safety with my men. The quicker I might complete these arrangements the better, and I could trust those present with some knowledge of my intention. "Gentlemen," I said, as the party was preparing to rise, "just a moment.
"This is where you have made your mistake," I went on convincingly. "Nothing is holding your daughter to Le Gaire but her promise. I was obliged to overhear their conversation after you left, and he appealed to her pride, to the honor of the Hardys, in order to gain her consent to the marriage.
"Yes; hands up, Le Gaire! Don't be a fool." His dark complexion was yellow with pallor, and I knew him for a coward at heart, yet his very hatred of me made him dangerous. Hardy was different, realizing his helplessness, but eying me coolly, his hands held over his head. "What does all this mean?" he asked quietly. "Who the devil are you?"
This was the work of a moment only, and for an instant no one spoke. Disfigured as the face was, blackened and bloody, there could be no mistake in identity it was that of Charles Le Gaire. "Why why," exclaimed Billie, thunderstruck. "I know him, but I cannot remember. Who is the man?" It was all clear enough to me now; I only wondered at not suspecting the truth before.
Everything is prepared, arranged for; even the minister has arrived, and is waiting." She stood before him, her hands clasped, trembling from head to foot, yet with eyes determined. "Will you delay action a few moments, and send Captain Le Gaire to me? I I must see him alone." He hesitated, avoiding her eyes and permitting his glance to wander about the room. "Please do this for me."
"See here, Le Gaire, you leave my daughter's name out of this." The enraged captain favored him with a glance. "I know more about this affair than you do, Hardy. This blue-bellied puppy was with Billie before, and I knew there was some infernal scheme on the moment I saw him here to-night. The girl helped him to get away once before, and there's some trick being worked off now."
"Yes, immediately, as soon as Captain Le Gaire can confer with my father." I smiled, not wholly at ease, yet confident I knew her struggle. "You might deceive some one else, Miss Billie," I said quietly, "and perhaps if I were not here this programme might indeed be carried out I believe Le Gaire is cur enough to insist upon it.
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