rkness and makes a grave of
the heart while happier mortals sleep.

And the former terror seemed formidable enough to him in this his hour
of startling realisation, even if he had freed himself for the nonce
from its controlling power. To escape all further contemplation of it
he would work. These letters deserved attention. He would carry them to
Oswald, and in their consideration find distraction for the rest of the
day, at least. Oswald was a good fellow. If pleasure were to be gotten
from these tokens of good-will, he should have his share of it. A gleam
of Oswald's old spirit in Oswald's once bright eye, would go far towards
throttling one of those demons whose talons he had just released from
his throat; and if Doris responded too, he would deserve his fate, if he
did not succeed in gaining that mastery of himself which would make such
hours as these but episodes in a life big with interest and potent with
great emotions.

Rising with a resolute air, he made a bundle of his papers and, with
them in hand, passed out of his room and down the hotel stairs.

A man stood directly in his way, as he made for the front door. It was
Mr. Challoner.

Courtesy demanded some show of recognition between them, and Brotherson
was passing with his usual cold bow, when a sudden impulse led him to
pause and meet the other's eye, with the sarcastic remark:

"You have expressed, or so I have been told, some surprise at my choice
of mechanician. A man of varied accomplishments, Mr. Challoner, but one
for whom I have no further use. If, therefore, you wish to call off
your watch-dog, you are at liberty to do so. I hardly think he can be
serviceable to either of us much longer."

The older gentleman hesitated, seeking possibly for composure, and when
he answered it was not only without irony but with a certain forced
respect:

"Mr. Sweetwater has just left for New York, Mr. Brotherson. He will
carry with him, no doubt, the full particulars of your great success."

Orlando bowed, this time with distinguished grace. Not a flicker of
relief had disturbed the calm serenity of his aspect, yet when a moment
later, he stepped among his shouting admirers in the street, his air and
glance betrayed a bounding joy for which another source must be found
than that of gratified pride. A chain had slipped from his spirit,
and though the people shrank a little, even while they cheered, it was
rather from awe of his bearing and the recognition o