solation all the
mystery of her doing and the cause of it was merged and lost.

His only aim and purpose now was her safety. One thing at least he could
do: by fair means or foul stop Leonard's mouth, so that others need not
know her shame! He groaned aloud as the thought came to him. Beyond
this first step he could do nothing, think of nothing as yet. And he
could not take this first step till Leonard had so far sobered that he
could understand.

And so waiting for that time to come, he drove on through the silent
night.

CHAPTER XIII--HAROLD'S RESOLVE

As they went on their way Harold noticed that Leonard's breathing became
more regular, as in honest sleep. He therefore drove slowly so that the
other might be sane again before they should arrive at the gate of his
father's place; he had something of importance to say before they should
part.

Seeing him sleeping so peacefully, Harold passed a strap round him to
prevent him falling from his seat. Then he could let his thoughts run
more freely. Her safety was his immediate concern; again and again he
thought over what he should say to Leonard to ensure his silence.

Whilst he was pondering with set brows, he was startled by Leonard's
voice at his side:

'Is that you, Harold? I must have been asleep!' Harold remained silent,
amazed at the change. Leonard went on, quite awake and coherent:

'By George! I must have been pretty well cut. I don't remember a thing
after coming down the stairs of the club and you and the hall-porter
helping me up here. I say, old chap, you have strapped me up all safe
and tight. It was good of you to take charge of me. I hope I haven't
been a beastly nuisance!' Harold answered grimly:

'It wasn't exactly what I should have called it!' Then, after looking
keenly at his companion, he said: 'Are you quite awake and sober now?'

'Quite.' The answer came defiantly; there was something in his
questioner's tone which was militant and aggressive. Before speaking
further Harold pulled up the horse. They were now crossing bare
moorland, where anything within a mile could have easily been seen. They
were quite alone, and would be undisturbed. Then he turned to his
companion.

'You talked a good deal in your drunken sleep--if sleep it was. You
appeared to be awake!' Leonard answered:

'I don't remember anything of it. What did I say?'

'I am going to tell you. You said something so strange and so wrong tha