But Medaine Robinette, standing beside the window, the color gone from her cheeks, one hand lingering the curtains, eyes turned without, gave no evidence that she had heard.
Ba'tiste, staring at her, waited a moment for her question.

It did not come.

He turned to Houston.
"You tell eet!" he ordered.

There was something of the father about him,--the father with a wayward boy, fearful of the story that might come, yet determined to do everything within his power to aid a person he loved.

Houston straightened.
"I'll try not to shield myself in any way," came at last.