He did not go. He stood absolutely still, watching her.
But she was scarcely aware of him any longer. For her strength had suddenly deserted her. She was sunk against the wall with her hands over her face, sobbing terrible, tearless sobs that shook her from head to foot.
Nick started towards her, but Max stretched out a powerful arm, and kept him back. "No, Nick," he said firmly. "This is my concern. You go, like a good chap. I'll come to you presently."
"I will not!" said Nick flatly.
He gripped the opposing arm at the elbow so that it doubled abruptly.
But Max wheeled upon him on the instant and held him fast.
"Look here," he said, "I'm in earnest."
"So am I," said Nick.
They faced one another for a moment in open conflict; then half-contemptuously Max made an appeal.
"Don't let us be fools!" he said. "It's for her sake I want you to go. I'll tell you why later. If you butt in now, you will make the biggest mistake of your life."
"Take your hands off me!" said Nick.