To be frank, I undertook your rescue for purposes far other than those of matrimony." "Might I ask what they were ?" replied Juanna, in a tone of equal acerbity.
"Certainly, Miss Rodd.

But first I must explain that I am no knight-errant.

I am an almost penniless adventurer, and for urgent reasons of my own I seek to win fortune.

Therefore, when the woman yonder," and he pointed to Soa, who was sitting watching them just out of range of the firelight, "came to me with a marvellous tale of a countless treasure of rubies, which she promised to reveal to me if I would undertake the little matter of your rescue, and when she even paid down a specimen stone of considerable value on account, having nothing better to do and nowhere to go, being in short desperate, I consented.
Indeed, I did more, I took the precaution of reducing the matter to writing, I being one contracting party, and Soa, acting on her own behalf and as your attorney, being the other." "I have not the least idea to what you allude, nor did I ever give Soa any authority to sign documents on my behalf.

But may I see this writing ?" "Certainly," Leonard answered; and rising he went to the baggage, whence he returned presently with a lantern and the prayer-book.
Juanna placed the lantern beside her and opened the book.