east, when my business lies in precisely the opposite
direction," I remarked, coolly.

"Very well, then, I will make myself plain," he went on, seating himself
beside me. "Granted that you will get well directly--which is very
likely, for the equal of this Plains air for surgery does not exist in
the world--I may perhaps point out to you that at least your injury
might serve as an explanation--as an excuse--you might put it that
way--for your going back home. I thought perhaps that your duty lay
there as well."

"You become somewhat interested in my affairs, Mr. Orme?"

"Very much so, if you force me to say it."

"I think they need trouble you no farther."

"I thought that possibly you might be sensible of a certain obligation
to me," he began.

"I am deeply sensible of it. Are you pleased to tell me what will settle
this debt between us?"

He turned squarely toward me and looked me keenly in the eye. "I have
told you. Turn about and go home. That is all."

"I do not understand you."

"But I understand your position perfectly."

"Meaning?"

"That your affections are engaged with a highly respectable young lady
back at your home in Virginia. Wait--" he raised his hand as I turned
toward him. "Meaning also," he went on, "that your affections are
apparently also somewhat engaged with an equally respectable young lady
who is not back home in Virginia. Therefore--"

He caught my wrist in a grip of steel as I would have struck him. I saw
then that I still was weak.

"Wait," he said, smiling coldly. "Wait till you are stronger."

"You are right," I said, "but we shall settle these matters."

"That, of course. But in the meantime, I have only suggested to you that
could you agree with me in my point of view our obligation as it stands
would be settled."

"Orme," said I, suddenly, "your love is a disgrace to any woman."

"Usually," he admitted, calmly, "but not in this case. I propose to
marry Miss Meriwether; and I tell you frankly, I do not propose to have
anything stand in my way."

"Then, by God!" I cried, "take her. Why barter and dicker over any woman
with another man? The field is open. Do what you can. I know that is the
way I'd do."

"Oh, certainly; but one needs all his chances even in an open field, in
a matter so doubtful as this. I thought that I would place it before
you--knowing your situation back in Virginia--and ask you--"

"Orme," said I, "one question--Why did you not kill me the ot