"Do you mean to confide in me?" asked the doctor, after a pause.
"I cannot; for the simple reason, that if I told you everything you would be bound as a man and a gentleman to take steps to insure the downfall which I dread."
"Are you certain that you are not suffering from delusion?"
"No, doctor, I wish I were."
"You certainly look sane enough," said the doctor, examining his patient with one of his penetrating glances. "You must allow me to congratulate you. If I had not seen you with my own eyes I could never have believed in such a reformation. You are bronzed; your frame has widened; you have not a scrap of superfluous flesh about you. Let me feel your arm; my dear sir, your muscle is to be envied."
"I was famed for my athletic power long ago," said Awdrey, with a grim smile. "But now, doctor, to facts. You have come here; it is possible for me to take you into my confidence to a certain extent. Will you allow me to state my case?"
"As you intend only to state it partially it will be difficult for me to advise you," said the doctor.
"Still, will you listen?"
"I'll listen."
"Well, the fact is this," said Awdrey, rising, "either God or the devil take possession of me to-night."