quite a stranger to these events; the expression of anguish that

deformed his countenance at the moment of the leap was probably

mechanical; and he suffered these convulsions in silence; clung to the

tree like an infant; and seemed, by his dips, to suppose himself engaged

in the pastime of bobbing for apples. A more finely sympathetic mind or

a more observant eye might have remarked, a little in front of him on

the sand, and still quite beyond reach, the unlighted cigar.

There is your Whitechapel carrion!' said Attwater. 'And now

you might very well ask me why I do not put a period to you at once, as

you deserve. I will tell you why, Davis. It is because I have nothing to

do with the Sea Ranger and the people you drowned, or the Farallone and

the champagne that you stole. That is your account with God, He keeps

it, and He will settle it when the clock strikes. In my own case, I have

nothing to go on but suspicion, and I do not kill on suspicion, not even

vermin like you. But understand! if ever I see any of you again, it is

another matter, and you shall eat a bullet. And now take yourself off.

March! and as you value what you call your life, keep your hands up as

you go!'

The captain remained as he was, his hands up, his mouth open:

mesmerised

with fury.

'March!' said Attwater. 'One--two--three!'

And Davis turned and passed slowly away. But even as he went, he was

The Ebb-Tide