“No, no,” he muttered, “how confused I am—that is, for the jury. I am only a witness called because—Yes, I remember, what the man said now, because I saw the deceased last night.”
“Yes, I saw him last night,” groaned Glyddyr; “and I feel as if I shall always be seeing him now.”
Once more he made an effort to collect himself, and took the situation in the full. He had nearly been committing the grave error of running away, but he had fortunately paused.
“It would have been madness,” he thought, “and only inviting pursuit by attracting attention to my actions.”
He walked on deck, his nervous excitement having completely counteracted the effect produced by the spirits and wine, and ordered his men into the boat to row him ashore.
He had made up his mind what to do, and as soon as they reached the landing steps he walked straight up to the Fort for the second time that morning.
He was cool now, for he was fully awake to the fact that his life depended upon his calmly facing facts.
Half-way up, towards the bridge, he met Doctor Asher and his colleague, the latter bowing and passing on, but Asher stopped short, and took Glyddyr’s extended hand.
“Going in?” he said.
“Yes; how is she—Miss Gartram?”