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284 Sir Montague Merline came to the conclusion that after all the problem of his immediate future was not settled.

"Very well," said he, "come on. We'll cut over to Mendoza's and go to earth. As soon as he has rigged us out, we'll get clear of Sidi."

(He could always give himself up when they had to separate and he could help them no more. Yes, that was it. He would pretend that he had changed his mind and when they had to separate he would pretend that he was going to continue his journey. He would return and give himself up. Having told the exact truth with regard to his share in the matter, he would take his chance and face whatever followed.)

"A rivederci, Carmelita," said he and kissed her.

"Mille grazie, Signor," replied Carmelita. "Buon viaggio," and wept afresh.

"So-long, Miss," said 'Erb. "Are we dahn'arted? Naow!"

Carmelita smiled through her tears at the quaint English ribaldo, and brought confusion on Reginald Rupert by the warmth of her thanks for his actual and promised financial help .…

"We'd better go separately to Mendoza's," said John Bull. "Buck had better come last. I'll go first and bargain with the old devil. We shan't be missed until the morning, but we needn't exactly obtrude ourselves on people."

He went out, followed a few minutes later by Rupert and 'Erb.

Left alone with Carmelita, the Bucking Bronco picked her up in his arms and held her like a baby, as with haggard face and hoarse voice he tried to tell