The shock of feeling brought his eyes to hers with a sudden burning mastery.

For an instant their looks fused and were lost in a passionate affiance.

Then, as if pulling himself out of a dream, he released her fingers with a "Pardon--my child!" As he did so, a cry ran through the smithy.

Madelinette was standing, tense and set with terror, her eyes riveted on something that crouched beside a pile of cart-wheels a few feet away; something with shaggy head, flaring eyes, and a devilish face.

The thing raised itself and sprang towards hers with a devouring cry.