"Then that is yours," said the other gravely. "I will take £1,128 to square all my debts, and we go shares in the balance, a thousand each, if you think that fair. If not I will gladly hand over the lot, after paying my debts, I mean." Mensmore's seriousness impressed the barrister more than any other incident of that dramatic evening. "You forget," he replied, "that I told you I had money in plenty for my own needs. You must keep every farthing except my own £8, which you do not now need. No. Please do not argue. I will consent to no other course. This turn of Fortune's wheel should provide you with sufficient capital to branch out earnestly in your career, whatever it be. I will ask my interest in different manner." "I can never repay you, in gratitude, at any rate. And there is another who will be thankful to you when she knows. Ask anything you like. Make any stipulation you please. I agree to it." "It is a bargain. Sign this." Bruce took a sheet of notepaper, bearing the crest of the Hotel du Cercle, dated it, and wrote: "I promise that, for the space of twelve months, I will not make a bet of any sort, or gamble at any game of chance." When Mensmore read the document his face fell a little. "Won't you except pigeon-shooting?" he said. "I am sure to beat that Russian next time." "I can allow no exceptions." "But why limit me for twelve months?" "Because if in that time you do not gain sense enough to stop risking your happiness, even your life, upon the turn of a card or the flight of a bird, the sooner thereafter you shoot yourself the less trouble you will bring upon those connected with you." "You are a rum chap," murmured Mensmore, "and you put matters pretty straight, too. However, here goes. You don't bar me from entering for sweepstakes." He signed the paper, and tossed it over to Bruce, while the latter did not comment upon the limitation of his intentions imposed by Mensmore's final sentence. The man undoubtedly was a good shot, and during his residence in the Riviera he might pick up some valuable prizes. "And now," said the barrister, "may I ask as a friend to what use you intend to put your newly found wealth?" "Oh, that is simple enough. I have to pay £500 which I lost in bets over that beastly unlucky match. Then I have a splendid 'spec,' into which I will now be able to place about £2,000--a thing which I have good reason to believe will bring me in at least ten thou' within the year, and there is nearly a thousand pounds to go on with. And all thanks to you." "Never mind thanking me. I am only too glad to have taken such a part in the affair. I will not forget this night as long as I live." "Nor I. Just think of it. I might be lying in the gardens now, or in some mortuary, with half my head blown off." "Tell me," said Bruce, between the contemplative puffs of a cigar, "what induced you to think of suicide?"