This reflection caused a gleam of sunshine to
traverse my gloom. I was not physically capable of performing the
journey to Tlemcen and back before her arrival. I could, therefore,
dream among the roses of the garden for another couple of days. And when
she came, perhaps she would like to go to Tlemcen herself and try
the effect of her woman's fascinations on the Lieutenant-Colonel and
officers of the 3rd Regiment of Chasseurs d'Afrique.
In any case, her sudden departure argued well for Dale's liberation.
If the rupture had occurred I was quite contented. That is what I had
wished to accomplish. It only remained now to return to London, while
breath yet stayed in my body, and lead him diplomatically to the feet of
Maisie Ellerton. Then I would have ended my eumoirous task, and my last
happy words would be a paternal benediction. But all the same, I had set
forth to find this confounded captain and did not want to be hindered.
The sportsman's instinct which, in my robust youth, had led me to crawl
miles on my belly over wet heather in order to get a shot at a stag, I
found, somewhat to my alarm, was urging me on this chase after Captain
Vauvenarde.
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