for
the hatred that had come to take the place of her erstwhile love. But in
Lionel's what grounds were possible? What motives could exist for
such an action as this, other than a monstrous, a loathly egoism
which desired perhaps to ensure that the blame for the death of Peter
Godolphin should not be shifted from the shoulders that were unjustly
bearing it, and the accursed desire to profit by the removal of the man
who had been brother, father and all else to him? He shuddered in sheer
horror. It was incredible, and yet beyond a doubt it was true. For all
the love which he had showered upon Lionel, for all the sacrifices of
self which he had made to shield him, this was Lionel's return. Were all
the world against him he still must have believed Lionel true to him,
and in that belief must have been enheartened a little. And now...His
sense of loneliness, of utter destitution overwhelmed him. Then slowly
of his sorrow resentment was begotten, and being begotten it grew
rapidly until it filled his mind and whelmed in its turn all else. He
threw back his great head, and his bloodshot, gleaming eyes fastened
upon Captain Leigh, who seated now upon the sea-chest was quietly
observing him and waiting patiently until he should recover the wits
which this revelation had scattered.

"Master Leigh," said he, "what is your price to carry me home again to
England?"

"Why, Sir Oliver," said he, "I think the price I was paid to carry you
off would be a fair one. The one would wipe out t'other as it were."

"You shall have twice the sum when you land me on Trefusis Point again,"
was the instant answer.

The captain's little eyes blinked and his shaggy red eyebrows came
together in a frown. Here was too speedy an acquiescence. There must be
guile behind it, or he knew naught of the ways of men.

"What mischief are ye brooding?" he sneered.

"Mischief, man? To you?" Sir Oliver laughed hoarsely. "God's light,
knave, d'ye think I consider you in this matter, or d'ye think I've room
in my mind for such petty resentments together with that other?"

It was the truth. So absolute was the bitter sway of his anger against
Lionel that he could give no thought to this rascally seaman's share in
the adventure.

"Will ye give me your word for that?"

"My word? Pshaw, man! I have given it already. I swear that you shall be
paid the sum I've named the moment you set me ashore again in England.
Is that enough for you? Then cut me these bon