Horscroft took a run forward and caught her by the wrist. She gave a
little squeal at the sight of his face, but he pulled her towards where
I was standing.

"Now, Jock, we've had tomfoolery enough," said he. "Here she is. Shall
we take her word as to which she likes? She can't trick us now that
we're both together."

"I am willing," said I.

"And so am I. If she goes for you, I swear I'll never so much as turn
an eye on her again. Will you do as much for me?"

"Yes, I will."

"Well then, look here, you! We're both honest men, and friends, and we
tell each other no lies; and so we know your double ways. I know what
you said last night. Jock knows what you said to-day. D'you see?
Now then, fair and square! Here we are before you; once and have done.
Which is it to be, Jock or me?"

You would have thought that the woman would have been overwhelmed with
shame, but instead of that her eyes were shining with delight; and I
dare wager that it was the proudest moment of her life. As she looked
from one to the other of us, with the cold morning sun glittering on her
face, I had never seen her look so lovely. Jim felt it also, I am sure;
for he dropped her wrist, and the harsh lines were softened upon his
face.