“I do,” he returned; “shall always hear it in remembrance. Be in no way concerned about me. I’ve seen my error, and am now a different man.” “I hope and trust you are. Now, Peace,” said the young engineer, in a more serious and persuasive tone, “let me conjure you, let me beg of you, never to fall into a similar error. It must have been the archfiend who tempted you to commit such a monstrous act.” “Say no more about it. Let it be forgotten. You have been in no way compromised, I hope.” “I must tell you frankly that I found myself in such a terrible scrape, when the police arrived, that I was constrained to do more for you than I have ever done for myself. I had to tell a most deliberate falsehood, but let that pass. You will, I am sure, be mindful of your promise. You are young, possess ability, and may yet win a good position in life. But do not be tempted. If you are in want of money at any time drop me a line, and what I can spare in the way of a loan for a short time you are welcome to. Only do not, I charge you, attempt to rob or plunder. I am sure I wish to be everything that’s kind to you; but lately I have heard things which seem to strike me with horror.” “What have you heard?” “I will not pain you by repeating.” “Oh! don’t mind that. The plain truth is at all times the best. What have you heard?” “Well, then, if you must know, the police informed me that there had been several burglaries committed by a person answering to your description.” “And surely you are not fool enough to believe such a statement. They always say that. They think it so clever. My description, indeed! They wont tell me so.” “I don’t mean a description as you now appear, but as you were on that dreadful night.” Peace laughed. “Ah, I see,” he muttered. “Why, I wonder even you knew me, disguised as I was.” “I wonder myself.” “Would they know me now, do you think?” “Not at all likely, I should say.” “And Aveline Maitland――what of her?” inquired Peace, in an altered tone, for as he inquired a sudden pang seemed to shoot through his frame. “What of her?” repeated Gatliffe; “why do you inquire?” “Don’t be jealous――she is nothing to me.” “I’m not likely to be jealous.” “You are engaged to her?” “Yes, I am.” “I thought so. Well, I wish you every happiness――that’s all I have to say; but a short time since she drove me to desperation――I did not much care whether I lived or died; now that is past――I’m getting over it.” Gatliffe looked surprised. There was an earnestness in his companion’s manner which went far towards giving assurance of the speaker’s sincerity.” “You’ll not forget all I have said, neither will you forget your promise――and so farewell,” said Gatliffe, with a nod, as he took a somewhat abrupt departure. “Farewell,” repeated Peace. “My ways are not your ways,” he added, when the engineer was out of earshot.