Let us arise and go forth!"
"Now you are laughing at me, and, besides, we have already gone forth.
Why have you fared into the north, if not to lay hands on the race
legacy?"
She turned her head at the sound of approaching footsteps, and cried
for greeting, "I appeal to you, Captain Alexander! I summon you to
bear witness!"
The captain of police smiled in his sternly mirthful fashion as he
shook hands with Frona and Corliss. "Bear witness?" he questioned.
"Ah, yes!
"'Bear witness, O my comrades, what a hard-bit gang were we,--
The servants of the sweep-head, but the masters of the sea!'"
He quoted the verse with a savage solemnity exulting through his deep
voice. This, and the appositeness of it, quite carried Frona away, and
she had both his hands in hers on the instant. Corliss was aware of an
inward wince at the action. It was uncomfortable. He did not like to
see her so promiscuous with those warm, strong hands of hers. Did she
so favor all men who delighted her by word or deed? He did not mind
her fingers closing round his, but somehow it seemed wanton when shared
with the next comer. By the time he had thought thus far, Frona had
explained the topic under discussion, and Captain Alexander was
testifying.
"I don't know much about your Slav and other kin, except that they are
good workers and strong; but I do know that the white man is the
greatest and best breed in the world.
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