Wesley had no mind for a companion on this stroll of his, so he went a short way inland in order to save himself from being seen, and he did not return to the sandy edge of the high ground until he judged that he had gone beyond the spot where he had seen the man. Turning about, he found that he had done what he intended: he saw the dark figure walking from where he had been, in the direction of the sea. But by this time the light had so increased that he was able to see that the man was walking away from the body of another that was lying on the beach. He had scarcely noticed this before the man stopped, looked back, and slowly returned to the body. But the moment he reached it Wesley was amazed to see him throw up his arms as if in surprise and then fling himself down on the body with his hands upon its throat. Wesley knew nothing except that the man's attitude was that of one who was trying to strangle another. But this was surely enough. He shouted out and rushed toward the place with a menace. The man was startled; his head went back with a jerk, but his hands did not leave the other's throat. Wesley had to drag him back by the collar, and even then he did not relax his hold until the body had been lifted up into a sitting position. The moment the man's fingers were loosed the head fell back upon the sand. Wesley threw himself between the two, and the instant that he turned upon the assailant he recognised John Bennet. “Wretch!” he cried, “what is it that you would do? What is it that you have done--murderer?” Bennet stared at him as if stupefied. Then he burst into a laugh, but stopped himself suddenly. “Mr. Wesley, is it?” he cried. “Oh, sir, is't you indeed that pulls my hands off his throat? There is something for the Devil to laugh at in that.” “Man, if you be a man and not a fiend, would you strangle one whom the sea has already drowned?” cried Wesley. “I have the right,” shouted Bennet, “for he would be dead by now if I had not succoured him.” “If it be true that you saved him from an imminent death, at that time, wherefore should you strive to murder him now?” said Wesley. “I did not see his face then--it was dark when I stumbled on him. Only when I turned about when the dawn broke I saw who he was. Go your ways, Mr. Wesley. The man is mine by every law of fair play. Stand not between us, sir, or you shall suffer for it.” “Monster, think you that I shall obey you while a breath remains in my body? I shall withstand you to the death, John Bennet; you shall have two murders laid at your door instead of one.” The man laughed as before. Then he said: “That is the point where the devils begin to laugh--ho! ho! John Wesley!” “I have heard one of them,” said Wesley. “Oh, you fool, to stay my hand! Know you not that the man lying there is none other than he whom Nelly Polwhele has promised to marry?” “And is not that a sufficient reason why you should do your best to save him--not take his life away?”