Page:War Drums (1928).pdf/240

 "Have you no greeting for me, lady?" he asked. "Is it not fitting that the latest recruit in your service should win some slight word of acknowledgment from your lips?"

Jolie stood silent, her eyes averted, her lips twitch ing. He waited, his head still bent, his mouth still curved in a smile. The silence lengthened. Slowly the blood mounted to his face; his hand resting on his sword-hilt tightened till the long fingers pressed deep into the flesh of his palm. A quiver ran through his frame as though uncontrollable passion shook it. But all at once he straightened and looked her in the eyes, his smile as arrogant as ever, no trace of embarrassment in his manner or his countenance.

"I shall not hold it against you, lady," he cried with a laugh. "I shall pray for a chance to prove that your newest recruit is worthy of reward."

They remained for three days in their green meadow in the heart of Great Santee. In front of Jolie's lean-to, on the evening of the third day, they held a council of war. Almayne was for staying where they were, and then, when the way was safe, returning to Charles Town. Falcon seconded this policy. Lachlan and Mr. Francis O'Sullivan were silent because both had been watching Jolie's face while Almayne had been speaking. When the hunter had outlined their position as he saw it, and Falcon had supported his proposal, Jolie spoke to Almayne:

"If there were no woman with you?" she asked