Remember wasps and spiders can sting in their own way, and that dogs can bite." "Little black beast," was the short reply, "I'll strip your hide for Hell's gridiron in good time." "Bien, m'sieu', but you'll be in hell waiting, for I'm going to bury you here where you call better men than yourself dogs and wasps and spiders and beetles.

And I'll not strip your 'hide,' either.

That's for lower men than me." A moment later they parted, Denzil to find Junia, and Barouche to prepare his speech for the evening.

Barouche pondered.

What should he do--should he challenge Carnac with his marriage with Luzanne Larue?
His heart was beating hard..