and thrilled by the unconscious caress of stray tresses as they were blown against my cheek.  How she trusted me, stranger though I was!  Yet it was through no lack of knowledge of the great world of men, for this young girl had known court gallants and rough soldiery, soft-spoken courtiers and boastful men-at-arms.  So the night through I dreamed of what might be; and when the light finally came slowly reddening the eastern sky, I feasted my eyes unchecked upon that sweet upturned face, and made a rash vow that I would win her heart.

I was still mirroring her image in my memory, forgetful of all else,—­the broad white brow, the long dark lashes resting in such delicate tracery against the smooth velvet of the cheek now slightly flushed, the witching pink of the ear, the softly parted lips between which gleamed the small and regular teeth of ivory, the round white throat swelling ever so slightly to her breathing,—­when a sudden shout of surprised recognition aroused me from my reverie, and I looked up to see Jordan topping the sand-bank in our front, and waving his hand to some one beneath him and out of sight.

“See here, De Croix!” he cried, excitedly, “the prodigal has had good cause to lag behind.  He has found the lost fairy of this wilderness.”

Before I could relieve myself of my burden,—­for the mockery of his words angered me,—­the Frenchman appeared at his side, and glanced down where his companion’s finger pointed.  For a moment he gazed; then he murmured a sharp French oath, and strode heavily down the sand-bank.  There was a look in his face that caused me to lay the girl’s head back upon the sand and rise hastily.  The sudden movement awoke her, and her dark eyes looked up in startled confusion.  By this time I had taken a quick step forward, and faced De Croix.

“This lady is under my protection,” I said, a bit hotly, not relishing the manner of his approach, “and any disrespect from either of you will be unwarranted.”

He paused, evidently surprised at my bold front, and his lip curled contemptuously.

“Ah, my young game-cock!” he ejaculated, surveying me curiously.  “So you have spurs, and think you can use them?  Well, I have no quarrel with you, but perchance I may have more reason to be the protector of this young lady than you suppose.  Stand aside, Monsieur.”

She had risen from the sand, and now stood erect beside me.  I saw Jordan grinning in great enjoyment of the scene, and that De Croix’s eyes were full of anger; but I would not stir.  In my heart I felt a dull pain at his words, a fear that they might prove too true; but I remained where I was, determined to take no step aside until she herself should judge between us.

“Will you stand back, Monsieur?” he said, haughtily, dropping his hand upon the hilt of his rapier, “or shall I show you how a gentleman of France deals with such impertinence?”

If he thought to affright me with his bravado, he reckoned ill of my nature, for I have ever driven badly; my blood seems slow to heat, though it was warm enough now.