After one of those
silences Jarman said:--
"Do you know I rather thought yesterday you didn't want me to come to
your father's house. Why was that?"
"Because Marco was there," said the girl frankly.
"What had HE to do with it?" said Jarman abruptly.
"He wants to marry me."
"And do you want to marry HIM?" said Jarman quickly.
"No," said the girl passionately.
"Why don't you get rid of him, then?"
"I can't, he's hiding here,--he's father's friend."
"Hiding? What's he been doing?"
"Stealing. Stealing gold-dust from miners. I never cared for him anyway.
And I hate a thief!"
She looked up quickly. Jarman had risen to his feet, his face turned to
sea.
"What are you looking at?" she said wonderingly.
"A ship," said Jarman, in a strange, hoarse voice. "I must hurry back
and signal. I'm afraid I haven't even time to walk with you,--I must run
for it. Good-by!"
He turned without offering his hand and ran hurriedly in the direction
of the semaphore.
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