I was paralyzed, standing there, when you came." She drew her, hand away from him, gently, but significantly.

"I know you can't believe me, Jeems.

It is impossible for you to believe me." "And you don't want me to believe you, Marette." "Yes--I do.

You must believe me." "But the tress of hair--your hair--round Kedsty's neck--" He stopped.

His words, spoken gently as they were, seemed brutal to him.