They were in the study and could talk freely. No one ventured in except Captain Ben, and he came at this moment. He saw something serious was going on; shutting the door quietly he sat down.
"Hector is going away, to London. He can't stand the associations at Haverton. It is not to be wondered at," said Picton.
"I'm surprised he stood it so long; I know what it must have cost him. You're brave, Hector, far braver than we are. By God, you're a man if ever there was one!" said Ben in his straight manner.
"A man can bear far more than he imagines. Torture of the mind is greater than torture of the body," said Hector.
"You're right, no doubt," said Ben. "But why London, why go there?"
"I have my reasons; they are powerful. On board the Sea-mew I laid my plans; I think I shall succeed," said Hector.
"Would you like Ben to go with you?" asked Picton.
"No—he'd be too merciful," said Hector calmly.
They looked at him; he spoke quietly, but there was that in his voice and face boded ill for somebody.
"When are you going?" asked Ben.