you know that I told Mr. Hallett, the day after the robbery, that I wished Moonlight would carry me off to his lair."
"You wished to be carried to Moonlight's lair. Well, more unlikely things have happened. I can quite imagine that if Moonlight, as they call him, heard you say that, he might be inclined to act upon your suggestion. What did Mr. Hallett say?"
"I should have to be ransomed, you know—some of the squatters here would try and buy me back."
"I haven't the least doubt of that. The district would rise in search of you, and they would probably be more successful than Captain Macpherson and his men seem to have been. And—well so much the worse for Moonlight. Goodbye, Miss Valliant."
"You are going?"
"Yes." He unbuckled his horse's bridle. "It will be late before I get to Baròlin, especially if I stop at the cedar-cutters' on the way."
"Ah, we have been beforehand with you. They have promised us their vote."
"So you have been canvassing for Mr. Hallett? He is very fortunate. I wish I had been the lucky candidate who secured your partisanship." He raised his hat again. Elsie held out her hand.
"Is your shoulder very painful?"
"A little: but it is not worth thinking about. I am glad of the accident since it has given me the opportunity of making your acquaintance. I have wished for a long time to meet you."
"Why?"
"I will tell you some time, when I know you better. It is rather a long story, and it might be disagreeable to you to hear it."
"I don't understand." She looked at him wonderingly.
"No? never mind. It will keep. You are leaving your book behind you." He picked the volume up and handed it to her, glancing at the title as he did so.
