Page:Rowland--In the shadow.djvu/102

 "Good morning, Miss Moultrie," rumbled the deep voice. "Good morning, Dr. Leyden."

"Good morning, Count Dessalines," replied Virginia, and drew rein, for it seemed to her scarcely fitting to pass without a few words of greeting a man who had saved her life and that of her fiancé.

Leyden had replied to Dessalines' greeting, and now, seeing Virginia about to halt, remarked in an oddly timid voice:

"Is that brute of yours quite safe, Comte Dessalines? Of course we appreciate your mastery of him, but is it not dangerous for us to come near?" The inflection, manner, voice was that of one physically afraid; Virginia glanced at the Hollander in quick surprise. Leyden's expression was such as one would expect to accompany the words; it showed doubt, uncertainty, fear. Virginia felt the blood in her cheeks; she could not understand it; all was at variance with the character with which she had endowed him.

Dessalines' great voice rolled out in striking contrast; it carried an accent a trifle blatant.

"You need have no fear; the animal knows his master." He struck the great neck a resounding slap and Virginia saw a fine quiver ripple the silken surface of the animal from ears to tail. "For a week the little rascal and I have been fighting it out, and once or twice I will confess that my life has been in danger, but now … ah, now he is conquered, and he knows it, the naughty fellow!" Again the massive hand smote the thick neck and again the fine shudder rippled the whole tense fabric of the animal. Then Leyden spoke.

"There is probably not another man in England who 92