mayn't be as badly injured as you think," ventured Barry. "Some
other doctor might give you a different report."

"Oh, he's quite a shining light--the man who came down here. Spine's
his job. And his examination was thorough enough. There's nothing can
be done. My legs are useless--and I'm a strong, healthy man who may
live to a ripe old age."

He turned his head on the pillow and Barry saw him drag the sheet
between his teeth and bite on it. He crossed to the window, giving the
man time to regain his self-command.

"Well, what about Nan?" Roger demanded at last harshly. "When's she
coming?"

Barry faced round to the bed again.

"I came to talk to you about Nan," he replied with reluctance. "But--"

"Talk away, then!"

"Well, it's very difficult to say what I have to tell you. You see,
Trenby, this ghastly accident of yours makes a difference in--"

Roger interrupted with a snarl. His arms waved convulsively.

"Lift me up," he commanded. "I can't do it myself. Prop me up a bit
against the pillows. . . . Oh, get on with it, man!" he cried, as
Barry hesitated. "Nothing you do can either help or hurt me. Lift me
up!"

Obediently Barry stooped and with a touch as strong as a man's and as
tender as a woman's, lifted Roger into the desired position.

"Thanks." Roger blurted out the word ungraciously. "Well, what about
Nan?" he went on, scowling. "I suppose you've come to ask me to let
her off? That's the natural thing! Is that it?" he asked sharply.

"Yes," answered Barry simply. "That's it."

Rogers face went white with anger.

"Then you may tell her," he said, pounding the bed with his fist to
emphasise his words, "tell her from me that I haven't the least
intention of releasing her. She's a contemptible little coward even to
suggest it. But that's a woman all over!"

"It's nothing of the sort," returned Barry, roused to indignation by
Roger's brutal answer. He spoke with a quiet forcefulness there was no
mistaking. "Nan knows nothing whatever about my visit here, nor the
purpose of it. On the contrary, had she known, I'm quite sure she
would have tried to prevent my coming, seeing that she has made up her
mind to marry you as soon as you wish."

"Oh, she has, has she?" Roger paused grimly. A moment later he broke
out: "Then--then--what the devil right have you to interfere?"

"None," said Barry gravely. "Except the right of one man to remind
another of his manhood--if he se