"I shall remember those words," he said, "if--" and he passed his
hand over his eyes. "See here," he presently said; "I have written
out a confession of my identity, and explanation that it was I who
drew first on Archfield. It is enough to save him, and in case my
handwriting has altered, as I think it has, and there should be
further doubt, I shall be found at Pilpignon, if I get away. You
had better keep it in case of accidents, or if you carry out your
generous plan. Say whatever you please about me, but there is no
need to mention Barclay or Burford; and it would not be fair to the
honest free-traders here to explain where their Chine lies. I
should have brought you up blindfold, if I could have done so with
safety, not that _I_ do not trust you, but I should be better able
to satisfy those fellows if I ever see them again, by telling them I
have sworn you to secrecy."

Then he laughed. "The gowks! I won all those Indian bonds of them
last night, but left them in a parcel addressed to them as a
legacy."

Anne took the required pledge, and ventured to ask, "Shall I say
anything for you to your father?"

"My poor old father! Let him know that I neither would nor could
disturb Robert in his inheritance, attainted traitor as the laws
esteem me. For the rest, mayhap I shall write to him if the good
angel you talk of will help me."

"Oh do! I am sure he would rejoice to forgive. He is much
softened."

"Now, we must hush, and go warily. I see sheep, and if there is a
shepherd, I want him not to see us, or point our way. It is well
these Isle of Wight folk are not early risers."

CHAPTER XXXIV: LIFE FOR LIFE

"Follow Light, and do the Right--for man can half-control his doom--
Till you find the deathless Angel seated in the vacant tomb.

Forward, let the stormy moment fly and mingle with the Past.
I that loathed, have come to love him. Love will conquer at the last."

TENNYSON.

On they had gone in silence for the most part, avoiding villages,
but as the morning advanced and they came into more inhabited
places, they were not able entirely to avoid meeting labourers going
out to work, who stared at Hans's black face with curiosity. The
sun was already high when they reached a cross-road whence the
massive towers of Carisbrooke were seen above the hedges, and
another turn led to Parkhurst. They paused a moment, and Anne was
beginning to entreat her escort to leave her to proceed alone,