The intended suicide quite shook in the grasp of his powerful preserver.
He was a young man, and his brown hair and beard made the ghastly hue of his countenance yet more striking by the contrast. Moreover, he had the look of a gentleman, but it was difficult to judge of his condition from his grey tweed habiliments.
He offered very little resistance to his friendly captor, his strength apparently being gone.
“Let me go!” he said in a hoarse voice. “I don't wish to live!”
“Madman!” cried the mechanic. “What's the matter, that you would throw away life thus?”
“What's the matter?” echoed the other, with a laugh that had nothing human in it. “I am ruined—utterly ruined! Had you let me alone, my troubles would have been ended by this time!”
And he made another ineffectual attempt to free himself.
“Don't think to get away!” said the mechanic. “I'm sorry for you, but it's my duty to prevent you from committing this wicked act. I shall hold you till a policeman comes up!”
“No; don't do that!” cried the wretched man. “Though I don't know where to turn for a night's lodging, I don't want to be locked up! Leave go your hold; I promise not to make the attempt again!”
“Well, I'll trust you,” replied the mechanic, releasing him.