"You have no use for it just now," she said. "Please be sensible and let
me have it!"

"Sensible!" he said.

His eyes sought hers suddenly, involuntarily, and she had a sense of
shock which she was quick to control; for they held in their depths the
torment of hell.

"You are wrong," he said, and the deadly intention of his voice made her
quiver afresh. "I have a use for it. At least I shall have--presently.
There are one or two things to be attended to first."

It was then that a strange and new authority came upon Stella, as if an
unknown force had suddenly inspired her. She read his meaning beyond all
doubting, and without an instant's hesitation she acted.

"Captain Monck," she said, "you have made a mistake. You have done
nothing that is past forgiveness. You must take my word for that, for
just now you are ill and not in a fit state to judge for yourself. Now
please give me that thing, and let me do what I can to help you!"

Practical and matter-of-fact were her words. She marvelled at herself
even as she stooped and laid a steady hand upon the weapon he held. Her
action was purposeful, and he relinquished it. The misery in his eyes
gave place to a dumb curiosity.

"Now," Stella said, "get to bed, and I will bring you some of Tommy's
quinine."