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Rh the Luya again, and imprison me in some stronghold in one of the gorges?"

"That would probably be the wisest thing to do," answered Trant, still grimly. "We shall see, Miss Valliant. Many a true word is spoken in jest, you know. In the meantime I don't mean to bother you except for a dance or two now and then, and there's no occasion for me to leave Leichardt's Town just yet. I shall wait and watch the game. Only listen to this, I've warned you once, remember, and it's disinterested of me to warn you again. Don't let Blake fool you. He will never marry anyone; he has got other things to think about. He only cares about women for the sake of amusement; but is quite capable of making you believe that he is madly in love with you just to cut out Frank Hallett, or for the excitement of the thing, and then he will throw you over as he has thrown over other women before you."

Elsie turned quite pale. "Mr. Trant, you amuse me rather when you talk like that, it is unlike other people. But there are limits even to amusement, and I beg that you will not speak to me of either Mr. Blake or Mr. Frank Hallett in that way again."

"Very well," said Trant, doggedly, "I have warned you, remember. As I said, it is against my own interest. My game is to let Blake have his way. After that will come my turn, and then I shall clear the course by sheer strength of will. It will be a coup d'état. You know I told you that I always succeeded in what I had set my mind on."

"I congratulate you."

"I don't intend to live this sort of life for much longer, Miss Valliant. I don't mean to bury myself at Baròlin. I have done that for a purpose; I wanted to make money. When I marry, my wife will be in a position to enjoy herself, and to see the world."

"That will be very nice for your wife, Mr. Trant, when you have one." Elsie got up. "Do you know I think it is