ave done myself for a
weak, contemptible woman's sake?"

He stopped short, grinding his teeth together in resentment against
himself; for Myra's sadly wasted face rose before him with her eyes full
of reproach.

"It is not true," he cried; "it is not true. She could not help
herself. They have driven her to it, or else--No, no, I cannot think."

He moved on toward the cottage, threading his way more by instinct than
sight among the rocks, but only to stop short again, horrified by the
thought that now assailed him. That man--Barron or Dale--it was not
safe that he should be trusted with Myra. It was madness after what had
taken place.

He thrust his fingers into his ears as if to shut out the voice that
seemed to urge these things upon him; but the voice was within, and he
hastened on more rapidly till he reached the cottage, where the
fisherman's wife was bathing Brettison's forehead, and she gave him a
frightened look as he entered.

His old friend's eyes were opened, and he looked wildly at Stratton as
he entered, and feebly raised one hand.

"Dale!" he whispered as he clung to Stratton.

"Hush! don't talk."

"I--must," he said feebly. "Mind that he does not leave the place.
To-night you must get help and take him away."

"I am right, then--he did attack you?"

"Yes, not long after you had gone. I was asleep, when I was awakened
with a start, thinking you had returned, but I was borne back directly.
He had me by the throat. Malcolm, lad, I thought it was all over. I
struggled, but he was too strong. I remember thinking of your words,
and then all was blank till I saw a light in the room, and found these
people attending me. I had awakened them with my groans. They do not
grasp the truth. Don't tell them. Let them think it is an affection of
the throat, but we must never trust him again."

"There will be no need," said Stratton bitterly.

"What do you mean?"

"He has gone."

"You have let him escape? No; you have handed him over to the police.
Oh, my dear boy, you shouldn't have done that. The man is mad."

"I told you I should not do so," said Stratton coldly. "You are wrong."

"But you stand there. Good Heavens, man! Those two may meet. Don't
mind me. I am better now. Go at once."

"No, I shall not leave you till you are fit to move."

"It is not an illness, but an injury, which will soon pass off. Go at
once. Man, do you not see that he may find her, after all."

"He