"My dear Irene," she said, "I hope you will not allow that stupid
dispute of yesterday to worry you into sleepless nights."
"But I have slept--quite a long time," was the girl's smiling
disclaimer.
"Well, now--let us consider. Mr. Royson left the camp about ten
o'clock. A young lady who shall be nameless said good-bye to him half
an hour later--"
"You saw me?" Irene flushed scarlet.
"No, indeed. I was too busy with my own sad affairs to act the part of
a female Paul Pry, even involuntarily. But I did see you go to your
tent, and I caught a glimpse of you at midnight when you were lighting
your lamp. It is not yet six, so I am guessing things."
"If I were to return the compliment--"
"You would say that I, too, was not a heavy sleeper. Well, I make no
secret of a perturbed night. That is why I am here now. I want your
help, Irene. Strange as it may seem, I appeal to you because I know you
have always been opposed to my aims. Perhaps I am to blame for that.
Had I forced Baron von Kerber to take you and Mr.
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