"Is it too late," the former said, "to ask you to take my boy and make him happy? Remember, he hasn’t a penny now to bless himself with, except what he can earn. I was never one to believe in love in a cottage, but perhaps I’ve been converted. Anyway Jim has brains, and I’m glad to say—I hope it isn’t false pride again—that his country has already recognised it, and I think there’s a big career before him. It will be still bigger, my dear, if he has you beside him as his wife." Marjorie’s eyes filled with tears as Jim took her in his arms and kissed her lips. "When my brother’s innocence has been completely and legally proved and he is set free we will be married, but not till then," she whispered. And John Dale took his daughter’s hand and kissed it. Rupert was, of course, a most important witness when Despard’s trial took place. The document found on Ruby Strode which proved that Rupert had been wrongfully convicted more than three years ago was sufficient to convince the jury that Despard, though he had not contemplated murder, was nevertheless responsible for causing the woman’s death. The fact that his trunks were packed and that he was ready to leave the country at a moment’s notice without anyone being aware of his intention to do so made the case look black against him. It was on his solicitor’s advice that he made a perfectly frank and complete confession of the part he had played three years ago when Rupert Dale stood his trial for tampering with Sir Reginald Crichton’s cheque. But Despard’s record was a black one, and the Counsel for the Crown did not hesitate to show him up in his true colours. He was found guilty and sentenced to seven years’ penal servitude. A fortnight later Rupert Dale received the King’s pardon and was set free. As it happened the very first man to greet him outside the prison doors was his friend, Patterson. He shook Rupert’s hand almost casually, then gave him a hearty pat on the back. "Gad, we’ve been in some tight corners together, Dale," he laughed. "But I thought when we got back to the old country we should find things a bit tame—no more fighting, no more narrow squeaks for our lives, no more excitement. I was wrong, eh? At any rate you stepped right into the thick of it. Glad I was here to see you come out top dog." And Rupert nodded and gripped Patterson’s hand tightly. "You’re the best friend I ever had," he said huskily. "I ought to be," Patterson grinned, "since I owe you my life. But for you I should never have got away on that black night when the Muruts were dancing round the fire ready to cut our heads off and smoke ’em over the burning embers. Lord, what a fine game it is! Think of it, this scalp of mine might have adorned some chief’s sword now; or the old hag who played mistress of ceremonies might be using it on state occasions as the latest fashion in evening dress." * * * * *