'Lack of proof that he is alive comes to the same as the case stands.'
No lie would now avail of Philip lost overboard. In the stress of clear thinking for his life he felt relief that he could not be so tempted to damn his fair cause before Heaven.
'He will return,' he muttered, 'but too late, for me too late.'
'Christian, they dare not,' gasped Rhoda; 'no, you dare not, for Philip will return to confound you. Should he return—too late—then may God have no mercy on your souls.'
Christian said 'Amen' to that.
The spokesman turned to Rhoda.
'You speak positively: can you bear witness in his favour?'
'I know nothing—nothing.'
'Yet have you shown singular quickness of apprehension.'
She looked piteously at Christian, galled by remorse.