and bodily fatigue; his jangled nerves demanded a stimulant. Yet
to win would make the next conflict easier, and he had resources that he
tried to marshal against the enemy.

The rough work on the track had given him confidence. He had always had
physical courage and muscular strength, and it was something to feel he
could hold his own with his comrades at a strenuous task. Moreover, his
saving Festing from the river had restored his self-respect. But he had
stronger allies, and his face got hot as he thought of the two women who
had fought for him when he had scarcely tried to help himself.

Sadie had given up her ambitions and was content to live at the lonely
farm because she thought it best for him. He remembered the bitter
disappointments he had brought her and how he had found her sitting,
depressed and tired, at his neglected work when he came home from
some fresh extravagance. Sometimes she had met him with the anger he
deserved, but as a rule she had shown a patience that troubled him now.
Then there was Helen, who had borne slander and estrangement from her
husband for his sake. Both had made costly sacrifices, of which he was
unworthy; but it was unthinkable that the sacrifices should be made in
vain.

Perhaps it was his imagination, or the proximity of relief, but the
physical torment he suffered got worse. He could not sit straight,
and leaned forward, with head bent and hands grasping the sides of his
chair, until he looked at his watch. Ten minutes had gone, but he must
hold out for twenty minutes more. Fumbling awkwardly in his pocket, he
got his tobacco pouch. He did not want to smoke, but could occupy some
time by filling his pipe, and did so with slow deliberation. Then he let
the match go out as an idea dawned on him. The bottle had been put there
with an object.

Wilkinson hated Sadie. He had struck at her and injured Helen, but had
plotted a harder blow. The plot had, however, miscarried, for Charnock
almost forgot his pain in his fury. The fellow was a dangerous reptile,
and could not be allowed to hurt Sadie by his poisonous tricks. Charnock
meant to punish him, but must first overcome the insidious ally the
other had counted on. He looked at his watch again. A quarter of an hour
had gone; he felt stronger, and more confident. For all that, the fight
was stern, and at length Festing, entering quietly, was surprised to
find Charnock sitting with his watch in his hand. His brows were knit;
his