Live temper faded from his face, and it settled to the old blank mildness that had been lifting somewhat of late days.
'Is he so mad?'
'No, he shams.'
'Leave fooling, and speak straight in a matter of life and death.'
'Oh! more—more than life and death. For the love of God, make an end, and take a final answer. I will tell no more; nor would the most I know further you to Philip.'
The comment of a vigorous curse checked him there.
'Hear me out. If you need but to know how a venture went, I can tell you: well. If you have other need of him that does not brook delay, I can but offer to serve you to my best, for following and bringing him again; whatever be the risk, I owe that to him and you. Only this day I must have to myself. I must, though I pay for it with the rest of my life.'
That preposterous offer took away breath. Then an oath yelping high with derision above anger brought Christian to entreat for his mother's quiet.
'Let us in here, then,' said one, and reached to the latch behind him.
Christian struck up his arm. 'No!' he said, and barred the way.