"Then why did you change your mind?"

"When first I saw you by the gun," began Ned Trent, in a low voice, "I
was a desperate man, clutching at the slightest chance. The thought
crossed my mind then that I might use you. Then later I saw that I had
some influence over you, and I made my plan. But last night--"

"Yes, last night?" urged Virginia, softly.

"Last night I paced the island, and I found out many things. One of
them was that I could not."

"Even though this dreadful journey--"

"I would rather take my chances."

Again there was silence between them.

"It was a good lie," then said Virginia, gently--"a noble lie. And
what you have told me to comfort me about my father has been nobly
said. And I believe you, for I have known the truth about your fate."
He shut his lips grimly. "Why--why did you come?" she cried,
passionately. "Is the trade so good, are your needs then so great,
that you must run these perils?"

"My needs," he replied. "No; I have enough."

"Then why?" she insisted.