he
bureaux; but another convict, displaced for Dalahaide because of
carelessness and inaccuracy, was jealous of the favour shown the
aristocrat (ah, I assure you they know all about each other's affairs
and circumstances here!), contrived to make a rough knife out of a piece
of flint, and stabbed his rival in the back, narrowly missing the lungs.
As it was, the wound was a serious one, and Dalahaide is in the hospital.
The would-be murderer is now undergoing punishment in what we call the
Black Cell."

"The wound was not actually dangerous?" Roger hastened to inquire, seeing
that Virginia's lips were white.

"He ought not to be dangerously ill," said the Commandant. "He is young,
and quite one of our athletes--or was. The life he had led here, though
not what he would choose, has not been unhealthful. But the doctor, with
whom I have discussed his case, says that the wish to recover is lacking.
The man is hopeless. He would rather die than live; and his physician
thinks it exceedingly likely that he will do so."

"That is sad," said Sir Roger, his eyes still on Virginia.

The Commandant shrugged his shoulders. "We are accustomed to sadness
here," he replied. "But the exile and degradation of Noumea are no doubt
harder of endurance to a man like Dalahaide--proud, sensitive, refined,
intellectual, accustomed to every luxury. He was like a madman when he
first came, four or five years ago. Several times he attempted escape and
suicide. Then he became sullenly despairing; but I began to take an
interest in him, believing that he was not at bottom such a desperate
character as the surveillants had grown to consider him. I did what I
could to soften his lot, having him introduced to more congenial work in
the bureau; but this was not until he had known three months in the Black
Cell. Some men lose their minds in the _Cachot Noir_, though its horrors
have been mitigated of late years. But Dalahaide's brain did not fail;
and he has proved a valuable man at secretarial work. Also during the
plague, three years ago, he volunteered as a nurse, and was admirable.
You shall see him in hospital, since you wish it, and even talk with him;
but you must not leave New Caledonia with the impression that all
convicts are like this man. Now we will finish the inspection of the
prison here, and then my carriage shall drive us to the hospital, which
is at a little distance."

How Virginia got through the next half-hour she did not know.