was from the room, entered it for a little quiet conversation. The
innkeeper's eyes were open, and, what was more to the purpose,
intelligent.

"You're cheating the hangman, after all," snarled Gunn. "I'm off to
swear an information."

The other, by a great effort, turned his heavy head and fixed his wistful
eyes on him.

"Mercy!" he whispered. "For her sake--give me--a little time!"

"To slip your cable, I suppose," quoth Gunn. "Where's your money?
Where's your hoard, you miser?"

Mullet closed his eyes. He opened them again slowly and strove to think,
while Gunn watched him narrowly. When he spoke, his utterance was thick
and labored.

"Come to-night," he muttered, slowly. "Give me--time--I will make your
--your fortune. But the nurse-watches."

"I'll see to her," said Gunn, with a grin. "But tell me now, lest you
die first."

"You will--let Joan--have a share?" panted the innkeeper.

"Yes, yes," said Gunn, hastily.

The innkeeper strove to raise himself in the bed, and then fell back