"Don't tempt me, man!" cried Stratton angrily. "Heaven knows how weak I am, and how gladly I would fall in with your ideas, but they are impossible. You must be mad to propose them." "Perhaps so," said Brettison. "I often think I must be a little wanting, now. But, Malcolm, my boy, think of yourself. If Myra knows that this man is still living, she will never see you again." "Never," said Stratton firmly; "but she will get to know the reason of my conduct on that day, and I shall be forgiven for playing the part I did. She will know all this and forgive me. That is my reward. I tell you, I accept my position. James Barron must be given up." "You are determined upon that?" "Yes. It was my decision that morning before the struggle. It was the only course for an honourable man. What was right then must be doubly right now. If Myra were here, she would bid me act as I propose, even if it broke her heart." "Even if it broke her heart," said Brettison thoughtfully. "I'm afraid I should sin deeply sooner than let her break her heart." "Brettison!" cried Stratton; "is my old friend to become my tempter now at another crisis in my life? But you do not mean it. You are trying me. Come, I have been tried enough. You seem to have given me a new lease of life. Let us have no more trifling with duty; we have both suffered enough. Tell me, where is this man?" Brettison was silent for a few moments, and then looked up quietly. "I will tell you soon. First of all, you are judging too hastily." "No; I am saying what is right." "Under certain circumstances; but you do not know all yet." "What! Have you kept something back?" "Yes." "First, tell me where is this man. He has been in your charge ever since his recovery." "From the wound? Yes." "And he submits to your dictation--to your rule?" "Yes." "Because he fears that you will give him up?" "No; he does not fear that. But listen to me; you shall not judge too hastily. Wait till you know all my reasons." "Tell me them." "Not now." "When, then?" "After you have seen James Barron." "Seen him? Meet that man again?" cried Stratton, with a look of horror. "Yes." "Impossible!" "No; it is my wish--my prayer. Come with me and see him. Then you shall decide what should be done; and I give you my word that I will follow out your wishes to the letter." "You promise that?" Brettison gave him his hand in token of his promise, and Stratton stood thinking for a moment or two. "Yes," he said then, "I have no cause to fear. It is cowardly to refuse. When shall the meeting be?" "To-morrow." CHAPTER FORTY SIX. A DOUBLE SURPRISE.