'I have been in hell since, I tell you.'
Jim looked closely into his brother's face again, but it baffled him; it betrayed no more feeling than a stone.
'Why have you divulged this now?' he asked.
'You forced it from me. I did not expect you to return. I saw you playing cards at the shanty. But it is as well. I should have told you later.'
'There is something behind?'
'Much; but till you have heard Stony tell his part I shall say no more.
And for the present let this be our secret.'
'Burton may come in at any moment.'
'Good-night, then.'
'No; I'll go with you. I cannot face Mike in this condition. He would think me mad.'
'To Stony's tent?'