pleases me. You ask my advice, and I give it: Sign the register, that will set me square, and put me in an unassailable position with the public, and also, secondarily, it will be to your advantage. You are now a nondescript, and a nondescript is objectionable. If you please—you will excuse me—I should prefer not standing between you and the cliff. There is no knowing what a person who confesses to poisoning her husband might do. If it be a case of lunacy—well, more reason that I should use precautions. My life is valuable. Come, there is only one thing you can do to make me comfortable—sign the register."
"You will not mention what I have told you to anyone?"
"Save and defend us! I speak of it!—I! Come, come, be rational. Sign the register and set my mind at ease, that is all I want and ask for, and then I wash my hands of you."
Then away went Mr. Desiderius Mules, with the wind catching his coat tails, twisting them, throwing them up against his back, parting them, and driving them one on each side of him, taking and cutting them and sending them between his legs.
Judith stood mournfully looking after him. The sign-post, as he had called himself was flying from the traveller whom it was his duty to direct.
Then a hand was laid on her arm. She started, turned and saw Oliver Menaida, flushed with rapid walking and with the fresh air he had encountered.
"I have come to see you," he said. "I have come to offer you my father's and my assistance. We have just heard——"
"What?"
"That Captain Coppinger has turned you and Jamie out of his house."
"Have you heard any reason assigned?"
"Because—so it is said—he had beaten the boy, and you were incensed, angry words passed—and it ended in a rupture."
"That, then, is the common explanation?"
"Everyone is talking about it. Everyone says that. And now, what will you do?"
"Thank you. Jamie and I are at Othello Cottage, where we are comfortable. My aunt had furnished it
