"By the blood of Joseph! but you'll stay just the same; and--"

He got no further, for she threw the pistol in his face with all her
might. It struck between his eyes with a thud, and he staggered back,
blind, bleeding and faint, as she threw open the door and sped away in
the darkness.

Reaching the Manor safely, she ran up to her room, arranged her hair,
washed her hands, and came again to Ferrol's bedroom. Knocking softly
she was admitted by Nic. There was an unnatural brightness in her eyes.
"Where've you been?" he asked, for he noticed this. "What've you been
doing?"

"I've killed the bear that tried to kill him," she answered.

She spoke louder than she meant. Her voice awakened Ferrol.

"Eh, what?" he said, "killed the bear, mademoiselle,--my dear friend,"
he added, "killed the bear!" He coughed a little, and a twinge of pain
crossed over his face.

She nodded, and her face was alight with pleasure. She lifted up his
head and gave him a little drink of brandy. His fingers closed on hers
that held the glass. His touch thrilled her.

"That's good, that's easier," he remarked.

"We're going to bathe you in brandy and hot water, now--Nic and I," she
said.