"Very good, major; I understand why I am a traitor. But a coward?" "You are a coward in submitting yourself to the influence of this base assassin," cried Jen, enraged by the calmness of the young man. "And as an ungrateful man--do you want an explanation of that term?--you whom I have loved and brought up as my own son?" "No. I can understand your anger from your point of view." "My point of view! My point of view!" raged Jen, stamping. "From the point of view of the world, sir! What will everyone say when they learn that you intend to defend Etwald?" "They will say almost as cruel things as you have said," returned David, still composed. "But I do not care for the opinion of the public. I act according to the dictates of my own conscience." Jen drew back and stared at the young man in angry surprise. "Your own conscience!" he repeated, in disdain. "How can you talk in that manner? What excuse can you--" "I have an excellent excuse," interrupted David, rising. "What is it, if I may be so bold as to ask?" "I refuse to tell you--at present." "Indeed! And am I ever to learn the reason of your extraordinary behavior?" David considered. "Yes, major," said he at length. "You shall learn my reason--at the trial." "At the trial?" "I shall explain it when I make my speech for the defense." "What do you mean?" cried Jen, his curiosity getting the better of his anger. "Is it possible that you believe in the innocence of this man?" "As counsel for the defense you can hardly expect me to answer that." "As your adopted father, I demand an answer." "You shall have it, sir--at the trial." The obstinacy and marvelous composure of the young man were not without their due effect on Major Jen. He drew back, and after a few moments' consideration, he spoke in all seriousness. "David," said he, quietly, "there is something very extraordinary in your behavior, and you refuse to give me your reasons therefor. If I wait until the trial, will you explain?" "Yes. I have already told you so. In my speech for the defense you will be fully satisfied that I have good cause to act as I am doing." "Very good," said Jen, calmly. "Then I shall say nothing to any one about your very curious behavior. I shall work hard to secure the condemnation of this scoundrel. You can do your best to save him. But against you, or for you, I shall not open my mouth. At the trial I shall expect an explanation." "You shall have it." "But," added Jen, raising his head, "as until that explanation we are enemies--although not openly so--I shall require you to leave my house." "I expected that you would do so," rejoined David, bowing his head. "Indeed, you can act in no other way. To-day I shall take lodgings in Deanminster and wait for the trial. I shall defend Etwald to the best of my ability, and then you can decide whether I am fit to re-enter this house."