In a moment the porter was assisting them to arise. "A narrow escape for Mr. Riddle," said the Secretary to the porter, as he picked himself up and recovered his hat, which had rolled to one side. "A very narrow escape from what might have been a nasty accident." "_Accident!_" exclaimed the porter, with a sarcasm which spoke louder than words. "I said accident," replied Stanley, slipping a sovereign into the man's hand, and looking him straight in the eyes. "Oh, quite right, sir. _Accident_ it was. Thank ye, sir," and the porter shuffled off, leaving them alone. "I suppose you think you've been very clever," said Mr. Riddle, when they were by themselves, "but I'll cheat you yet, never fear," and his hand unconsciously sought a hidden pocket. "You need be under no apprehensions," the Secretary replied calmly. "I shan't interfere to save your life again, or to prevent you from taking it. I was moved to act as I did solely for the reason that I couldn't bear to see any man throw away so priceless a possession, owing to a misapprehension." "A misapprehension!" he said, startled. "Yes. You were desperate enough to contemplate committing suicide, because you supposed you would inevitably be disgraced and punished." Riddle nodded. "Well, supposing that this were not the case?" "What do you mean?" he cried, his face lighting up with the return of hope. "I mean that it's in my power to let you go free." The man's face fell. "But there are conditions," he said. "There are no conditions." "How about the Company?" "It will not be proceeded against, out of a desire to avoid publicity. Both governments will be informed confidentially of the true state of affairs, and it will be carefully watched in the future. If the Company is circumspect, it will be safe. We merely wish to ensure the passage of the Treaty. That is done already. Of course, considering the hands to which you have confided it, you will probably lose your £40,000." "I should refuse to receive it under the circumstances." "So I supposed. I'm expecting a messenger with important instructions from London, so must await the arrival of the down train. If you'll take a seat in the dog-cart, I'll join you presently." Mr. Riddle bowed, took a few steps in the direction desired, and then pausing, swung round and faced the Secretary, saying:-- "What return can I make you for saving my life?" "I've only followed my instructions," he replied. "You owe me nothing. I admit, though, that my impulse to save you arose strongly from the fact that I believed you were fitted for better things." "I am, Mr. Stanley, I am. Believe me, with this exception, I've lived a clean life. I was swept into this thing by the force of circumstances, and in the hope of saving a rotten concern, whose downfall might have ruined hundreds of innocent persons." "I believe you," said the Secretary. "Here comes the train. I shall expect to find you in the dog-cart." CHAPTER XXXVI THE DAY OF RECKONING