It was sufficient to bask in the sunshine, revelling in the free air, rejoicing in the sweetness of my nascent love.  We were much together, Basil and I; we walked together, exploring the recesses of the native town, and the ancient citadel, with its memories of British dominion; we lingered in the Soko or native market, crowded with wild creatures from the far interior; we rode together, for his first care was to secure horses, and scoured the country as far as the Marshan and Cape Spartel.  I sometimes reproached myself with being so happy, while my darling Henriette still sorrowfully repined at her past, with little hope of better days.  But even she brightened as the days ran on and brought no fresh disquiet, while her boy, sweet little Ralph, developed in health and strength.

A week passed thus, a week of unbroken quiet, flawless as the unchanging blue of a summer sky; not a cloud in sight, not a suspicion of coming disturbance and unrest.  It could not go on like this for ever.  To imagine it was to fall asleep in a fool’s paradise, lulled into false serenity by the absence of portents so often shrouded and unseen until they break upon us.

One day a cablegram reached me from Philpotts.  She had arrived at Marseilles on her return voyage from Tripoli, and was anxious that I should know without delay that we had not shaken off Lord Blackadder.  They had recrossed the Mediterranean together in the same ship, the Oasis.

“So far all well,” she said, “but am watched closely, will certainly follow me—­send instructions—­better not join you at present.”

This message fell on us two poor women like a bolt from the blue.  Basil looked serious for a moment, but then laughed scornfully.

“His lordship can do us no harm.  There is not the slightest fear.  He may bluster and bully as much as he pleases, or rather, as far as he is permitted to go.  We will place ourselves under the protection of the Moorish bashaw.  I always intended that.”

“Not seriously?”

“Indeed, yes; I have already consulted our Minister.  Sir Arthur is an old friend of mine, and he has advised me, privately, of course, and unofficially, to be on our guard.  He can do nothing for us, but he will not act against us.  If Lord Blackadder should turn up here, and sooner or later he will, most assuredly he will not assist him.  He promises that.  At the same time he can give you no protection.  We must take care of ourselves.”

“You believe that Lord Blackadder will find his way to Tangier?”

“Most certainly.  He has Philpotts under his hand, but he would not trust only to her.  Diligent inquiry at Marseilles would be sure to reveal our departure for Gibraltar.  He will follow with his men, they are well-trained detectives, and it will be mere child’s play for them to track us to Tangier.  You may look for them here any day.  We must be ready for them at all points.”

“There is no saying what Ralph Blackadder may not attempt.”