bout himself for the first time in his life, with the sole result
that he registered in his heart an unquenchable hatred of the speaker.

But Desmond had been in no mood just then to reckon with
after-results. All the inborn chivalry of the man was up in arms, less
against the spoken words than against the petty spite underlying
them--the cowardly hit at a woman powerless to defend herself. In an
unguarded moment he gave full vent to the scorn and disgust that
consumed him, and lashed the man without mercy.

Then--realising the utter inability to alter the other's peculiar
point of view--natural magnanimity checked his impetuous outburst:

"I don't know whether you are aware," he said, "that after to-night I
should be justified in asking the Mess President to remove your name
from the list of Honorary Members. But that is rather a strong
measure, and I decided instead to speak a few straight words to you
myself. If they've been a trifle too straight, I am sorry. But remarks
of the kind you made this evening are inadmissible at a mess-table;
or, for that matter, at any other table where--gentlemen are present.
Now, if you give me your word to keep the rules of the Mess strictly
in future, I will give you mine that this incident shall never be
mentioned to any one by me, or by any one of the fellows here
to-night."

Kresney had given the required promise none too graciously. But his
effort at perfunctory thanks stuck in his throat; nor did Desmond
appear to expect them. With a brief reassurance in respect of his own
silence he turned back into the Mess; and there, so far as externals
went, the incident had ended.

* * * * *

Yet, on this still March evening, as Kresney strolled back and forth
on his narrow verandah, enjoying an after-dinner cigar, every detail
of that detested interview darted across his memory for the hundredth
time, like a lightning-streak across a cloud. Wounded, in the most
susceptible part of his nature, Kresney saw no reason to deny himself
the satisfaction of hitting back. Whatever may have been his
principles in regard to debts in general, he was scrupulously
punctilious in settling debts of malice,--indirectly, if possible; and
in this instance personal antipathy added zest to the mere duty of
repayment.

Very early in the cold weather Kresney had become aware that an
effective weapon lay ready to his hand, and had taken it up without
scruple or reluctance.