"And you think she, even that woman, would not recognize me?" "I am certain she would not. She might have done so when you escaped, but not now. Your illness has changed you in a very strange way. I can hardly believe you are Hector sometimes," said Picton. "Then I must be safe," he said, smiling. "Speaking of Mrs. Elroy," he went on, "did I tell you I saw her in Torquay?" "No," said Picton surprised. "Where? Are you sure?" "I was passing a hotel when something prompted me to cross the road and look in at the window. I saw her seated at the supper table, laughing gayly with people, a man beside her, probably her lover, he seemed infatuated with her. She is still very beautiful, the same luring smile, and eyes like stars; you can imagine how I felt. The sight was too much for me, as I contrasted her position with mine. I raised my hands and appealed to God for justice. My prayer was answered, for a little farther on, as I staggered down the road, I came across that great-hearted fellow Brack. You know the rest." "Yes, I know the rest," said Picton. They were in the study and could talk freely. No one ventured in except Captain Ben, and he came at this moment. He saw something serious was going on; shutting the door quietly he sat down. "Hector is going away, to London. He can't stand the associations at Haverton. It is not to be wondered at," said Picton. "I'm surprised he stood it so long; I know what it must have cost him. You're brave, Hector, far braver than we are. By God, you're a man if ever there was one!" said Ben in his straight manner. "A man can bear far more than he imagines. Torture of the mind is greater than torture of the body," said Hector. "You're right, no doubt," said Ben. "But why London, why go there?" "I have my reasons; they are powerful. On board the _Sea-mew_ I laid my plans; I think I shall succeed," said Hector. "Would you like Ben to go with you?" asked Picton. "No--he'd be too merciful," said Hector calmly. They looked at him; he spoke quietly, but there was that in his voice and face boded ill for somebody. "When are you going?" asked Ben. "After Tearaway has had her trial with Tristram," said Hector. "That will be worth seeing," said Ben. "And the filly will beat Sir Robert's horse," said Picton. "I doubt it," said Ben. "Think what he's done, and Ascot Cup winner, Doncaster Cup Cesarewitch, Metropolitan, Northumberland Plate--he must be the best stayer in England." "So he is," said Picton, "but Tearaway will beat him for speed at the finish. Blackett says he'll put them together over two miles, with only seven pounds between them. I suggested level weights but he doesn't want to take the heart out of her." "If she can beat Tristram at seven pounds she's the best filly ever seen," said Ben. "And I believe she is," was Picton's enthusiastic comment.