ll the wide world so much as that same molehill. Well, glory be to
God, it can't be said I'm one for talking; but, if you're asking my
advice, you'll be wiser acting first than last, and full than empty!"

"I'm not of that opinion, sir," Colonel John replied, looking at him
with the same stern eyes.

"Then I'm thinking you're not as hungry as I'd be! And not the least
taste in life to stay my stomach for twenty-four hours!"

"It has happened to me before," Colonel John answered.

"You're not for signing, then?"

"I am not."

"Don't be saying that, Colonel!" Morty rejoined. "It's not yet awhile,
you're meaning?"

"Neither now nor ever, God willing," Colonel John answered. "I quote
from yourself, sir. As well say it first as last, and full as empty!"

"Sure, and ye'll be thinking better of it by-and-by, Colonel."

"No."

"Ah, you will," Morty retorted, in that tone which to a mind made up is
worse than a blister. "Sure, ye'll not be so hard-hearted, Colonel, as
to refuse a lady! It's not Kerry-born you are, and say the word 'No'
that easy!"

"Do not deceive yourself, sir," Colonel John answered severely, and
with a darker look. "I shall not give way either to-day or to-morrow."

"Nor the next day?"

"Nor the next day, God willing."

"Not if the lady asks you herself? Come, Colonel."

Colonel John rose sharply from his seat; such patience, as a famished
man has, come to an end.

"Sir," he said, "if this is all you have to say to me, I have your
message, and I prefer to be alone."

Morty grinned at him a moment, then, with an Irish shrug, he gave way.
"As you will," he said.

He withdrew himself suddenly, and the sunset light darted into the room
through the narrow window, dimming the candle's rays. The Colonel heard
him laugh as he strode away across the platform, and down the hill. A
moment and the sounds ceased. He was gone. The Colonel was alone.

Until this time to-morrow! Twenty-four hours. Yes, he must tighten his
belt.

* * * * *

Morty, poking his head this way and that, peering into the chamber as
he had peered yesterday, wished he could see Colonel John's face. But
Colonel John, bending resolutely over the handful of embers that glowed
in an inner angle of the room, showed only his back. Even that Morty
could not see plainly; for the last of the candles had burned out, and
in the chamber, dark in comparison with the open air, the crouching
figur