I have
gone into the bad lands of the world and into the worst spots of
those bad lands. Night and day your eyes have watched me, and I
have wakened from dreams of your kisses and gone out to court
murder. I have earned the reputation of being something more than
human, but I am not. I had everything that life could give me
except you. Now I have got you, and I am going to keep you."
Naida began to weep silently. The low, even voice of Nicol Brinn
ceased. He could feel her quivering in his grasp; and, as she
sobbed, slowly, slowly the fierce light faded from his eyes.
"Naida, my Naida, forgive me," he whispered.
She raised her face, looking up to him pathetically. "I came to
you, I came to you," she moaned. "I promised long ago that I
would come. What use is it, all this? You know, you know! Kill me
if you like. How often have I asked you to kill me. It would be
sweet to die in your arms. But what use to talk so? You are in
great danger or you would not have asked me to come. If you don't
know it, I tell you--you are in great danger."
Nicol Brinn released her, stood up, and began slowly to pace
about the room. He deliberately averted his gaze from the settee.
"Something has happened," he began, "which has changed
everything. Because you are here I know that--someone else is
here."
He was answered by a shuddering sigh, but he did not glance in
the direction of the settee.
Pages:
128
129
130
131
132
133
134
135
136
137
138
139
140
141
142
143
144
145
146
147
148
149
150
151
152