"I generally know what I am doing," observed West.

"Then why----"

Archie stumbled again, and fell silent, as if he had hurt himself.

"I don't always care to discuss my motives," said West very decidedly.

"But surely--" Archie suddenly pulled up, realising that by this
spasmodic method he was making no headway. "Look here, sir," he said,
more quietly, "you've done a big thing for me to-night--a dashed fine
thing! Heaven only knows what you did it for, but----"

"I have done nothing whatever for you," said West shortly. "You make a
mistake."

"But you'll admit----"

"I admit nothing."

He made as if he would turn on his heel, but Archie caught him by the
arm.

"I know I'm a cur," he said. And his voice shook a little. "I don't
wonder you won't speak to me. But there are some things that can't be
left unsaid. I'm going down now, at once, to tell those fellows what
actually happened."

"Then you are going to make a big fool of yourself to no purpose," said