gain. It was not a pleasant reflection. For
the doubtful blessing of being wife to an unscrupulous millionaire she
had deafened her ears to the call of every decent instinct.

And now the Fates had so contrived that it rested with her to make the
supreme final appeal and on her success or failure depended the safety
and future of the man within. A horrible conviction came over her that
these men who held Barraclough captive would indeed stop at nothing to
gain their ends and that the innuendoes they had uttered were terribly
in earnest. Unless he were persuaded to speak his very life would be
forfeit, and it was this consideration that fortified her to make the
effort.

Richard was sprawling on the wire mattress when she threw open the
door. He raised a pair of hollow eyes that looked at her without
recognition. Instinctively she shrunk away from him appalled at the
changes in his face and bearing.

"What have they been doing to you?" was startled from her.

Richard hitched himself into a sitting posture and coughed.

"Who are you?" he said.

"Don't you even know me?"

He thought before replying.

"Yes, I know you. You're the woman who was jealous of someone."

"Someone! Is that how you speak of your sweetheart!"

"Wait a bit. It's coming back. Isabel, wasn't it? Isabel Irish.
Well, what do you want?"

She came a little nearer.

"To be with you. I haven't seen you for a long time, now."

"You deserted me, didn't you? I m-missed you at first. Th' one bright
spot your coming."

"Was it?" she whispered.

He staggered to his feet and walked rockily into the inner room.

"No! What'm I saying. Man with a sweetheart doesn't want you."

"Tony!"

"No, no. 'Cos you're the worst devil of the lot. Decoyed me to this
damn place."

"Tony, I'm so sorry," her hand fell on his sleeve, but he drew away.

"Don't come near me. Don't touch me. I mustn't be touched."

"Then I'll sit over here," said she.

"Yes, there. No, get out. Leave me alone, d'y' hear?" His voice
pitched up high and imperative, but as suddenly dropped again. "I beg
your pardon. I'm not much of a man to talk to a woman jus' now."

"I think you're a very fine man, Tony."

"Ha! Yes. A devil of a fellow!"

"But so stubborn," she whispered.

"There you go," he cried. "I knew it. I knew you came here for that."

"Tony! Tony!" she implored. "This has gone too far. You've been
splendid, but what's the use. Jus