ite understood till now why he hated you,
Percival. Frankly, I knew that he had it in his heart to kill you. Crust
has told me of his difficulty in keeping him from running a knife into
you. I thought it was all talk, boyish bravado,--but now I know he meant
it."

He lifted his head and set his jaw. "Gentlemen, I have a shameful
confession to make. Ever since I can remember, my sole thought has been
to rule. I did not know what it was to take orders from another man
until I came to this island. My whole being has been in revolt. The
thought uppermost in my mind for two years has been to re-establish
myself as a dominating force. To that end, I have played pretty bad
politics. I have worked upon the credulity and cupidity of these men,
promising them positions of authority if I were chosen by vote to govern
the affairs of this island. But, I am sure you all will believe me
when I say that it was my purpose to administer those affairs honestly,
fairly and as capably as I knew how. I was not only deceived by these
men, but by myself as well. I have played, like a blundering fool, into
their hands. My chagrin is beyond words. I can only say to you now that
you may count upon my unfailing support in any action you may decide to
take. My forebears were honest, loyal, law-abiding Americans. I--I think
I may say without fear of contradiction that it is impossible for me to
run otherwise than true to form.

"I lied, Percival, to Ruth Clinton about the encounter in my stateroom
on the Doraine. Believe me or not as you see fit, but I think that was
the only deliberate lie I have ever told in my life. I have done a great
many high-handed things, I have been inconsiderate of others, I have
crushed opposition in my own way, I have never allowed myself to
acknowledge defeat. My hand has been against you since the day you
appeared on the decks of the Doraine. It was not in my nature to see
good in you. To me, you were a good-for-nothing--Well, I'm glad to see
you smile! That is the devil with you,--your confounded smile. I ask you
to overlook what I have said, and done--and been, Percival,--and shake
hands. You have nothing to apologize for. There never has been a time
in all these months that I have not felt you to be a real man, an
honest one, and a gentleman. I think I know an honest man when I see
one,--indeed, it is my business to read men,--and I rarely make a
mistake."

As the two men shook hands, Randolph Fitts remarked dril