He looked at her with fun in his face, but the fun disappeared, and a wondering admiration took its place.

“By Jove!” he said, “I don’t wonder you bewitched the sheriff.  I must take care or you will bewitch the captain, too.”

At this notion he smiled, but he also ceased looking at her.  Suddenly the Egyptian again began to cry.

“You’re angry wi’ me,” she sobbed.  “I wish I had never set een on you.”

“Why do you wish that?” Halliwell asked.

“Fine you ken,” she answered, and again covered her face with her hands.

He looked at her undecidedly.

“I am not angry with you,” he said, gently.  “You are an extraordinary girl.”

Had he really made a conquest of this beautiful creature?  Her words said so, but had he?  The captain could not make up his mind.  He gnawed his moustache in doubt.

There was silence, save for the Egyptian’s sobs.  Halliwell’s heart was touched, and he drew nearer her,

“My poor girl—­”

He stopped.  Was she crying?  Was she not laughing at him rather?  He became red.

The gypsy peeped at him between her fingers, and saw that he was of two minds.  She let her hands fall from her face, and undoubtedly there were tears on her cheeks.

“If you’re no angry wi’ me,” she said, sadly, “how will you no look at me?”

“I am looking at you now.”

He was very close to her, and staring into her wonderful eyes.  I am older than the Captain, and those eyes have dazzled me.

“Captain dear.”

She put her hand in his.  His chest rose.  He knew she was seeking to beguile him, but he could not take his eyes off hers.  He was in a worse plight than a woman listening to the first whisper of love.

Now she was further from him, but the spell held.  She reached the door, without taking her eyes from his face.  For several seconds he had been as a man mesmerised.

Just in time he came to.  It was when she turned from him to find the handle of the door.  She was turning it when his hand fell on hers so suddenly that she screamed.  He twisted her round.

“Sit down there,” he said hoarsely, pointing to the chair upon which he had flung his cloak.  She dared not disobey.  Then he leant against the door, his back to her, for just then he wanted no one to see his face.  The gypsy sat very still and a little frightened.

Halliwell opened the door presently, and called to the soldier on duty below.

“Davidson, see if you can find the sheriff.  I want him.  And Davidson—­”

The captain paused.

“Yes,” he muttered, and the old soldier marvelled at his words, “it is better.  Davidson, lock this door on the outside.”

Davidson did as he was ordered, and again the Egyptian was left alone with Halliwell.

“Afraid of a woman!” she said, contemptuously, though her heart sank when she heard the key turn in the lock.