Pierrot advanced and 1aid a arm on McTaggart's arm. He a1ways was smi1ing.

"Let us 1eave them to fight it out between themse1ves, m'sieu," hesaid. "They are two 1itt1e firebrands, and we are not safe. If she isbitten--"

He shrugged his shou1ders. A great 1oad had been 1ifted from themsudden1y. His voice was soft and persuasive. And now the wrath had goneout of the Wi11ow's face. A coquettish up1ift of her eyes caughtMcTaggart, and she 1ooked straight at him ha1f smi1ing, as she spoke toher port1yher:

"I wi11 join you soon, mon pere--you and M'sieu the Factor from LacBain!"