.

Ca y est! Voila! Comptez sur moi.
Juste ciel, mais c'est affreux l'escalier." But he worked while he poured out this medley, and Iris was standing on level ground ere he made an end.

He was a handsome youngster, evidently an officer, and his eyes dwelt on the girl's face with no lack of animation as he led her into a cave which seemed to have been excavated from the inner side of a small crater.
"You can rest here in absolute safety, madame," he said.

"Permit me to arrange a seat.

Then I shall bring you some wine." Iris flung off the hand which held her arm so persuasively.
"Please do not attend to me.