'Yet you place yourself in my hands. What can the ties of blood count for between us two? For as long as I can remember I've thought of you only as something evil hovering over the door, silencing the home, darkening life.'
'I counted on finding in you a mind not wholly at variance with my own. What those two women told me gave me some insight into your character. I perceived that at least the flame had scorched the bloom from your soul.'
'Here I am a new man. I have known happiness, I have tasted love, and made friends with good men. Here I can live!'
Ryder looked at him closely. 'You must tell me of your life,' he said—' the life in Chisley after my supposed hanging. No, no; not now. Go to your tent and sleep.'
'Sleep! I shall not sleep.'
'Think over what I have told you.'
'There is more behind?' 'There may be.'
'You think I will join you?'
'In my present career? No. For the time being, let us say no more. I need not ask you to be silent. Meet me here to-morrow night at nine. While you are thinking, bear always in mind the fact that Peter Cannon is there '—he pointed in the direction of Stony's tent—' a living man. Good-night.'
The reminder was well timed; pity stirred warmly in Jim's heart again, and he offered his hand.