"When did you find that out?" "I knew it before you went under ether." "Then you haven't mutilated young Allen?" "No." The legless man's eyes closed, and he smiled, and for perhaps a minute dozed. He awoke saying: "Thank God for that." A moment later: "I'm all knocked out of time--what have you done to me?" "I took the liberty of freeing your brain from pressure--result of an old accident. It can only do you good. It was hurting your mind more and more." "I'd like to sleep, but I have the horrors." "What sort of horrors?" "Remorse--remorse," said the legless man in a strong voice. Dr. Ferris was trembling with excitement. "But thank God my deal against Allen didn't go through. That's something saved out of the burning. Where is Rose? I want Rose." "Rose?" "I remember. I locked her up--in that room. The key's in the bureau top drawer, left. I'd like her to sit by me. I want to go to sleep. I want to forget. Time enough to remember when I'm not sick.... That you, Rose? Sit by me and hold my hand, there's a dear. If I need anything she'll call you, doctor. Just leave us alone, will you?" He clung to the hand, as a child clings to its mother's hand; and there was a tenderness and trust in the clasp that thrilled the girl to her heart. "Say _you_ forgive me, Rose." His voice was wheedling. She leaned forward and kissed him. "We got a lot to live down, Rose. Don't say we can't do it. Wait till I'm up and around, and strong." He fell asleep, breathing quietly. Two hours later he woke. Rose had not moved. "We'll begin," he said, "at once by getting married. I've dreamed it all out. And we'll set up home in a far place. That is, if _they'll_ give me a chance. But I've never asked you--Rose, will you marry me?" "Do you want me?" She leaned forward and rested her cheek against his. "Do you understand?" he said. "We're beginning all over. You can't undo things that you've done; but you can start out and do the other kind of things and strike some sort of a balance--not before man maybe--but in your own conscience. That's something. I want to talk to Ferris. Call him, will you, and leave us." "Doctor, was everything I _was_ bone pressure? Ever get drunk?" Dr. Ferris nodded gravely. "In extreme youth," he said.