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faced the doorway as he walked briskly in. A perceptible glow of additional colour came upon her cheeks, and, not speaking, she extended the hand she had ungloved for him.

Tinker shook it heartily. "You're lookin' fine!" he said. "Fine! How's your family?"

"Hyacinthe? He is happy," she answered. "As I am. Will you sit here with me?"

"About a minute," he said, glancing over his shoulder at the vacant doorway;—then, as he sat, he spoke hurriedly, but genially, "Listen! You want to get me scalped first and boiled in oil afterwards?"

"No."

"Well, I already have been scalped," he informed her. "All I'm lookin' out for now, I don't want to get boiled in oil! I told you——"

She stopped him gently. "My friend, you are angry with me because you think I have stayed in Tunis to see you. You mustn't be afraid: I shall not compromise you. I know the customs and ideas of American ladies perfectly: it is amusing, but of course could be very painful. I am not stopping at this hotel on that account, because I was sure you would come here. I shall protect you, but——