it did. They say you was sitting on that boulder there when you
had that last attack, you know; but," he added, gently, "you've
forgotten all about it."

"I have forgotten nothing," said Slinn, rising, with a choking
voice. "I wish to God I had; I wish to God I could!"

He was on his feet now, supporting himself by the table. The
subtle generous liquor he had drunk had evidently shaken his self-
control, and burst those voluntary bonds he had put upon himself
for the last six months; the insidious stimulant had also put a
strange vigor into his blood and nerves. His face was flushed, but
not distorted; his eyes were brilliant, but not fixed; he looked as
he might have looked to Masters in his strength three years before
on that very hillside.

"Listen to me, Alvin Mulrady," he said, leaning over him with
burning eyes. "Listen, while I have brain to think and strength to
utter, why I have learnt to distrust, fear, and hate them! You
think you know my story. Well, hear the truth from ME to-night,
Alvin Mulrady, and do not wonder if I have cause."

He stopped, and, with pathetic inefficiency, passed the fingers and
inward-turned thumb of his paralyzed hand across his mouth, as if
to calm himself. "Three years ago I was a miner, but not a miner
like you! I had experience, I had scientific knowledge, I had a
theory, and the patience and energy to carry it out. I selected a
spot that had all the indications, made a tunnel, and, without aid,
counsel or assistance of any kind, worked it for six months,
without rest or cessation, and with scarcely food enough to sustain