d he have this
priceless possession, and how confoundedly calmly he seemed to accept
it, as if it were only his due? He, Warren, would have moved heaven and
earth to obtain it, yet why should that other gain it with no effort at
all? He himself had all the advantages that Wyvern had. He was a
clean-run, strong, healthy man, whom more than one girl of his
acquaintance would think herself surpassing lucky to capture. Moreover
he had made money, and knew how to go on making it, which was a thing
Wyvern never had done and never would. Why the deuce then should Wyvern
be where he ought to be? he thought bitterly as he walked dripping
beside Lalante, in the gloom of the now fast-darkening night. Well, at
any rate, in all probability Wyvern by that time was nowhere at all,
thought this man who had just risked his life when the chances were a
hundred to one against him, to save that of a helpless child. Yes.
Nowhere at all. There was a wholeheartedness about Bully Rawson and his
doings which left no room for doubt. He could be trusted to "take care"
of anybody.

And yet, through it all there was a certain modicum of compunction;
compunction, but no relenting. Had circumstances compelled Wyvern to
give up Lalante, he would have had no more sincere well-wisher than
Warren. As it was he stood in Warren's way; therefore--out he must go.
Then Warren became alive to the fact that Lalante's bright eyes were
fixed upon him in some concern.

"You didn't hurt yourself--in the river, did you?" she said anxiously.

"Oh no, no. I'm a dull dog, I'm afraid," he answered, with a laugh.
"Perhaps I am a bit tired."

"Are you sure you're not hurt?" she persisted, anxiously.

"Very sure indeed. I got a rap on the shin from that confounded tree
that did its best to hold me under water, but that was nothing to what I
used to get in a football match when I was a nipper."

------------------------------------------------------------------------

The drizzle had merged into a steady downpour as they reached the house.
In the framing of the lighted doorway Le Sage came out to meet them,
smoking a pipe.

"Hullo. You've prolonged a pretty wet walk," he said. "_Magtig_! but
you look like four jolly drowned rats."

"And that's what two of us jolly near were, father," said Lalante, in
clear ringing tones. And then she explained what had happened. Le Sage
stared at her as if he were listening to something altogether
incredible.