But, you see, I didn't know." "Then do you tell me you are not free ?" Merefleet said.

"Do you mean literally that?
Are you the actual property of another man ?" She shook her head with baffling promptitude.
"I guess I'm just Death's property, Big Bear," she said, with a wistful little smile.

"But he doesn't seem over-keen on having me." "Stop!" said Merefleet harshly.

"I won't have you talk like that.

It's madness.