“That alters the case,” Sir Duke remarked. “I take back the ‘Amen,’” said Shon.
II
Whatever claims Shon had upon the companionship of Sir Duke Lawless, he knew there were other claims that were more pressing. After the toast was finished, with an emphasised assumption of weariness, and a hint of a long yarn on the morrow, he picked up his blanket and started for the room where all were to sleep. The real reason of this early departure was clear to Pretty Pierre at once, and in due time it dawned upon Jo Gordineer.
The two Englishmen, left alone, sat for a few moments silent and smoking hard. Then the Honourable rose, got his knapsack, and took out a small number of papers, which he handed to Sir Duke, saying, “By slow postal service to Sir Duke Lawless. Residence, somewhere on one of five continents.”
An envelope bearing a woman’s writing was the first thing that met Sir Duke’s eye. He stared, took it out, turned it over, looked curiously at the Honourable for a moment, and then began to break the seal.
“Wait, Duke. Do not read that. We have something to say to each other first.”
Sir Duke laid the letter down. “You have some explanation to make,” he said.
“It was so long ago; mightn’t it be better to go over the story again?”
“Perhaps.”
“Then it is best you should tell it. I am on my defence, you know.”