'Yes,' said Eric.

'I'll marry him on my next birthday,' said Sarah. Having said it the
intolerably mercenary spirit of her action seemed to strike her, and
impulsively she turned away with a bright blush. Fire seemed to sparkle
in the eyes of both men. Said Eric: 'A year so be! The man that wins is
to have one year.'

'Toss!' cried Abel, and the coin spun in the air. Eric caught it, and
again held it between his outstretched hands.

'Heads!' cried Abel, a pallor sweeping over his face as he spoke. As he
leaned forward to look Sarah leaned forward too, and their heads almost
touched. He could feel her hair blowing on his cheek, and it thrilled
through him like fire. Eric lifted his upper band; the coin lay with its
head up. Abel stepped forward and took Sarah in his arms. With a curse
Eric hurled the coin far into the sea. Then he leaned against the
flagstaff and scowled at the others with his hands thrust deep into his
pockets. Abel whispered wild words of passion and delight into Sarah's
ears, and as she listened she began to believe that fortune had rightly
interpreted the wishes of her secret heart, and that she loved Abel
best.

Presently Abel looked up and caught sight of Eric's face as the last ray
of sunset struck it. The red light intensified the natural ruddiness of
his complexion, and he looked as though he were steeped in blood. Abel
did not mind his scowl, for now that his own heart was at rest he could
feel unalloyed pity for his friend. He stepped over meaning to comfort
him, and held out his hand, saying: