A word to Quinnox and Ravone would be seized
and searched for the mysterious paper. This, however, looked utterly
unreasonable, for the vagabonds were armed and in force, while Yetive
was accompanied by but three men who could be depended upon. Baldos,
under the conditions, was not to be reckoned upon for support. On the
other hand, if he meant no harm, it would be cruel, even fatal, to
expose him to this charge of duplicity. And while she turned these
troublesome alternatives over in her mind, the opportunity to act was
lost. Ravone and his men were gone, and the harm, if any was intended,
was done.
From time to time she glanced back at the guard. His face was
imperturbable, even sphinx-like in its steadiness. She decided to hold
him personally to account. At the earliest available moment she would
demand an explanation of his conduct, threatening him if necessary. If
he proved obdurate there was but one course left open to her. She would
deliver him up to the justice he had outraged. Hour after hour went by,
and Beverly suffered more than she could have told. The damage was done,
and the chance to undo it was slipping farther and farther out of her
grasp. She began to look upon herself as the vilest of traitors. There
was no silver among the clouds that marred her thoughts that afternoon.
It was late in the day when the party returned to the castle, tired
out.
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