«No matter,» she said. «I still have my frock. And my car is.parked in a lane near the cliffs. I'll be all right.»

Blade saw a solution. «I'll go in first and bring your frock out to you. I don't suppose water will ruin it?»

She did smile then, and traced her fingers over his face. «No. I have hundreds of frocks. You're making too much of it. There is something else-l must go. Now. This instant.»

He was not surprised. Had been half expecting it. He glanced at the beach. They were at least a quarter of a mile out.

She read his look «I'll be fine. The distance is nothing.

You you won't try to follow me? To find out who I am-or anything?»

Blade shook his head. «Not anything. The forsaken merman promises. Goodbye, Diana.» He would have had it otherwise, but under the circumstances perhaps it was just as well.

«Goodbye, Hercules. rll never forget you. Or this day.»

Their glances met and lingered. Her eyes were as green as when he first gazed into them, but the glacial ice had melted.

«Neither of us,» Blade said, «is likely to forget this day.»

She kissed him lightly on the mouth, said goodbye again, and was gone.

He floated, treading now and then, watching her slim body cut the water with an expert eight-beat crawl. He scanned the cliff tops and made out a tiny figure wandering along the path. Old Professor Wright. Even at that distance Blade's hawkish vision could make out the cape and the deerstalker hat. Today the old man had a butterfly net with him. After specimens. Blade shook his head and grinned. The Professor was a specimen, no doubt of that, but harmless. He could hardly see beyond the end of his nose. No trouble there.

He saw her leave the water and race to where her dress lay on the sand.