I perceive that I had to deal with a bold adventuress, with a
consummate actress, who, finding herself in a dangerous situation,
had adopted this daring line of defence, and now by her personal
charm sought to lure me from my purpose.

But with the scimitar of Hassan of Aleppo stretched over me, with
the dangers of the night before me, I was in no mood for a veiled
duel of words, for an interchange of glances in thrust and parry,
however delightful such warfare might have been with so pretty an
adversary.

For a long time I looked sternly into her eyes; but their violet
mystery defied, whilst her red-lipped smile taunted me.

"Unfortunately," I said, with slow emphasis, "you are protected by
my promise, made on the occasion of our previous meeting. But
murder has been done, so that honour scarcely demands that I respect
my promise further--"

She raised her eyebrows slightly.

"Surely that depends upon the quality of the honour!" she said.

"I believe you to be a member of a murderous organization, and
unless you can convince me that I am wrong, I shall act accordingly."

At that she leaned toward me, laying her hand on my arm.

"Please do not be so cruel," she whispered, "as to drag me into a
matter with which truly I have no concern. Believe me, you are