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12 strikes me that it needs more to work unarmed than to know that you've got a gun to fall back on. Besides, it's better practice; it makes you a lot cleaner in your technique."

She looked at me and nodded, her eyes like emeralds in the dark. "Oh," says she, "it must be delicious! Such tension! The night, the blackness all about, the stealth, the listening; eyes, ears, touch, every sense alert and keyed to the highest pitch, like a tiger stalking its prey in the black jungle! I should love to feel it!"

"Have you never tried?" I asked, looking at her curiously.

"No. Never in that way. I have done things like it, but not looking for jewels or money."

Jeff interrupted just at this moment to crack some joke about "our absent host." I saw an angry flash in Léontine's eyes, but before she could answer I said to Jeff:

"Speaking about Kharkoff reminds me that I never paid you that bet. Five pounds, wasn't it?" I pulled out my pocketbook and handed him a hundred-franc note with twenty-five in gold and silver. "Is that near enough?" said I.

He took it with a laugh. "Never mind the twenty-two sous," says he. "Sure you can spare it? You told me you got singed down at Monte."

"Oh, I've got enough to take me home," I answered, laughing.

Léontine gave me a quick look. "If you need any money," says she, "I'll be your banker."

I thanked her and said that I thought I could manage until I got home, but she wasn't satisfied.