the matter?"

"Nothing much; only I have had a struggle with a madman who tried to
murder me."

"My dear boy!"

"It is a fact," said Stratton. "I found him with that piece of rock in
his hand, and about to strike me down."

He pointed to the massive stone lying on the table, and then said,
smiling:

"I was just in time to save myself."

"Good Heavens! Was he dangerous for long?"

"For long enough. We had a short struggle, and he went down with a
crash. One moment he was tremendously strong; the next helpless as a
child, and he has been like that ever since. Our plans must be
altered."

"No, not now," said Brettison decisively. "The man has been
over-excited to-day. Your presence seems to have roused up feelings
that have been asleep. I ought not to have left you alone with him.
Come, it is getting late. We have very few minutes to spare."

"Then you mean to go?"

"Yes, I mean to go. You shall see us to the station. I have no fear of
him; he will be calm enough with me."

"Very well," said Stratton, "anything to get him away from here. If he
keeps on turning violent he must be placed under restraint." Stratton
opened the door, placed his travelling bag outside, and came back.

"What does that mean?" said Brettison, pointing to the bag.

"Mine. You do not suppose I shall let you go alone."

"You cannot go now. I have managed him so long, and I can manage him
still."

"We shall miss the train," said Stratton quietly; and taking the man's
arm he drew it quietly through his, and after pausing to secure the
door, walked with him down to the cab, Brettison following with the
little valise.

They reached the station within five minutes of the time, and soon after
were rattling down to Southampton, Stratton throwing himself back in a
corner to draw a deep breath of relief as they left the busy town
behind, and taking out his letter, but only to glance at the
handwriting, and thrust it back.

Their prisoner sank back to sleep heavily, and he was still in a drowsy
state as they went on board, lying down quietly enough in his berth,
where they left him and went on deck as soon as they were well out of
the dock.

"Safe!" said Stratton exultingly. "Now, Brettison, that man must never
see England again."

They reached Jersey in due time, and next morning were in Saint Malo,
where they stayed two days, making inquiries which resulted in their
taking boat and being landed twenty miles along th