Part 37 (1/1)

Malet-Marsac blinked and stirred.

”Awful sorry, old chap,” said Bruce at length. ”I thought it the best plan. Will you give me your word to chuck the suicide idea, or do you want some more?”

”You d.a.m.ned fool! I....” began the trussed one.

”Yes, I know--but I solemnly swear I won't untie you, nor let anybody else, until you've promised.”

Malet-Marsac swore violently, struggled valiantly and, anon, slept.

When he awoke, ten hours later, he informed Bruce, sitting by the bed, that he had no intention of committing suicide....

Years later, as a grey-haired Major, he learnt, from the man's own brother, the story of the strange hero who had fascinated him, and of whose past he had known nothing--save that it had been that of a _man_.