"It's so real and so possible. I have satisfied myself of that. Either of us could carry the plan through, with Desmond; but we must realize that the one who undertakes it steps out of this life. For, facing the fact, disaster in the end is almost certain. The government machinery is very perfect; he who breaks the law can scarcely hope to escape arrest sooner or later. And if that happens, our world must never guess. Whoever accepts the work must leave here for an indefinite journey abroad, ostensibly; and in reality lose his identity absolutely somewhere. The one who goes must endure in silence whatever happens; the one who stays--" "Go on." "The one who stays," John finished gently, "must not interfere or try to save." Robert shuddered slightly and sat still for an instant. "It is for the women," he said, his boyish voice quite steady. "Shall we draw lots, or will you let me go?" "Bertie, Bertie!" John exclaimed, and, rising abruptly, walked to the rail. When he came back to the seat beside his brother, it was with his face turned from the silver light pouring through the arches of the veranda. "We are spared the pain of choosing our rôles, Bertie," he declared with grave finality. "The decision is not ours. Theodora cares for one of us. Aunt Rose admitted as much to me, although she herself could not say which. Of course that one is the one who stays. You see I am just taking it for granted that we both love her. We have never talked about it, but we knew, I think." "Yes." John waited, but no more was volunteered. "You agree with me?" he at last questioned. "Oh, I suppose so!" Robert flung savagely. "John, I am not blind; if you propose this, it is because you are satisfied Theo will choose me. If you sacrifice everything to save Sun-Kist for the women, it is because you mean the sacrifice to be yourself. Tell the truth; if I were to go, you would refuse to carry out the plan." "I said either of us could do the work." "Yes, but you mean to do it yourself." "I mean to leave the decision to Theodora." "Honestly?" "Honestly. And our time is short, Robert; ask her to-night when she comes home." "I will not," he refused flatly. "Take your right as eldest and tell her your story before I tell mine. I will not take that advantage of you. Oh, if she were only less delicate, less fastidiously reared, less unable to endure even vexation! If we could fight it out, you and I!" "Hush, hush; this is the fight. We are paying the penalty of being fit for no better battle; he who can use neither sword nor gun must be sent to dig in the muddy trenches." "We could take care of ourselves." "Without doubt, or starve decently. But we have to take care of others." "John, let me go." "Play fair, Bertie." "John--" "And Theo?" The younger dropped his head against the other's knee.