“Luck is with you for the moment, Major Vernon,” he said, “but if you are wise you will remember that you never have been and never will be my match.  It will turn again, I have no doubt, and then you may look to yourself, for I warn you I am a bad enemy.”

Alan did not answer, but for the first time Barbara sprang to her feet and spoke.

“You mean that you are a bad man, Lord Aylward, and a coward too, or otherwise you would not have tortured me as you have done.  Well, when it seemed impossible that I should escape from you except in one way, I was saved by another way of which I never dreamed.  Now I tell you that I do not fear you any more.  But I think,” she added slowly, “that you would do well to fear for yourself.  I don’t know why, but it comes into my mind that though neither Alan nor I shall lift a finger against you, you have a great deal of which to be afraid.  Remember what I said to you months ago when you were angry because I would not marry you.  I believe it is all coming true, Lord Aylward.”

Then Barbara turned her back upon him, and that was the last time that either she or Alan ever saw his face.

He was gone, and Barbara, her head upon her lover’s shoulder and her sweet eyes filled with tears of joy and gratitude, was beginning to tell him everything that had befallen her when suddenly they heard a loud cough outside the tent.

“It’s that confounded Jeekie,” said Alan, and he called to him to come in.

“What’s the matter now?” he asked crossly.

“Breakfast, Major.  His lordship got plenty good stores, borrow some from him and give him chit.  Coming in one minute—­hot coffee, kipper herring, rasher bacon, also butter (best Danish), and Bath Oliver biscuit.”

“Very well,” said Alan, but Jeekie did not move.

“Very well,” repeated Alan.

“No, Major, not very well, very ill.  Thought those lies bring down clouds.”

“What do you mean, Jeekie?”

“Mean, Major, that Asiki smelling about this camp.  Porter-man what go to fetch water see them.  Also believe they catch rest of those soldier chaps and polish them, for porter-man hear the row.”

Alan sprang up with an exclamation; in his new-found joy he had forgotten all about the Asiki.

“Keep hair on, Major,” said Jeekie cheerfully; “don’t think they attack yet, plenty of time for breakfast first.  When they come we make it very hot for them, lots of rifle and cartridge now.”

“Can’t we run away?” asked Barbara.

“No, Missy, can’t run; must stop here and do best.  Camp well built, open all round, don’t think they take it.  You leave everything to Jeekie, he see you through, but p’raps you like come breakfast outside, where you know all that go on.”

Barbara did like, but as it happened they were allowed to consume their meal in peace, since no Asiki appeared.  As soon as it was swallowed she returned to her tent, while Alan and Jeekie set to work to strengthen the defences of the little camp as well as they were able, and to make ready and serve out the arms and ammunition.