I'm a man in love," he said thickly. "I wanted her--God, how I
wanted her! And, but for you, I'd have succeeded. You've robbed me--robbed
me of my mate!..." His lips drew back over his teeth in a kind of snarl. "I
think you deserve to be punished," he went on slowly and significantly.
"What's to prevent my putting out to sea--now--this minute--and taking you
with me?"
"Brett--" She shrank back, suddenly terrified. His eyes were blazing with a
reckless fury--mad eyes. She made a dart for the door, but before she could
reach it he had caught her by the arm, his strong fingers crushing deep
into her white flesh.
"Well, why not?" he jeered savagely. "You came here in Ann's place of your
own free will! Supposing you _take_ her place--altogether--"
A tap sounded on the door. Brett's hand fell away from her arm, and she
stood quiveringly waiting for what might come. After a discreet pause
Achille entered, advancing with soft, cat-like tread.
"For mademoiselle," he said, tendering a note to Cara on a salver.
As she took the note she vaguely noticed that it bore no superscription.
With trembling fingers she tore it open.
_"I hear you are on the_ Sphinx. _I'm quite sure you must have a
good reason for being there, if you are there of your own free
will.
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