BLACK SHADOWS
"Bother—so he is." Giles's gratitude was of a practical quality. Had he come on Dessalines struggling in a fish trap he would have tried to save him at any risk to himself, would have done as much for any one; because Dessalines had saved the lives of Virginia and himself he could see no reason why they should give up their ride.
"We can ride early," said he. "Dessalines is coming for tea. If he comes before we get home what's the odds! let him wait. The others can take care of him."
Virginia hesitated; she did not like the thought of leaving Dessalines with Manning, whose sense of duty would compel him to entertain the Haytian at whatever cost.
"I think that we had better wait," she replied.
Giles helped her to breakfast; he poured her tea and Virginia stirred it for several moments in silence.
"Giles," she asked suddenly, "do people often give you the creeps?"
"Well, rather!" replied Giles calmly.
Virginia toyed with her spoon. "When a person gives you the creeps," she asked presently, "do you have an odd craving to watch that person and get the creeps?"
"Not much! I want to steer clear of 'em … but I know what you mean. It's like listening to a rattling ghost story; and then there are some people who find it rather jolly to look at the blood where some one's just been hurt. Often wondered at it … there's my old pointer, Dash; got the finest nose in the world, but he'll go right out and roll in a dead hare … Oh, I say, … beg pardon! Forgot that you were at breakfast!"
Virginia laughed in spite of herself.
55
