steps. The last chance left of parting the two men was the chance
of appealing to Frank.

"My dear boy," he began, "I want to say one friendly word to you
on the subject of your health. I have already, if you remember,
expressed my doubts whether you are strong enough to make one of
an exploring party. I feel those doubts more strongly than ever
at this moment. Will you take the advice of a friend who wishes
you well?"

Wardour had followed Crayford. Wardour roughly interposed before
Frank could reply.

"Let him alone!"

Crayford paid no heed to the interruption. He was too earnestly
bent on withdrawing Frank from the expedition to notice anything
that was said or done by the persons about him.

"Don't, pray don't, risk hardships which you are unfit to bear!"
he went on, entreatingly. "Your place can be easily filled.
Change your mind, Frank. Stay here with me."

Again Wardour interfered. Again he called out, "Leave him alone!"
more roughly than ever. Still deaf and blind to every
consideration but one, Crayford pressed his entreaties on Frank.

"You owned yourself just now that you were not well seasoned to
fatigue," he persisted. "You feel (you _must_ feel) how weak that
last illness has left you? You know (I am sure you know) how