I had something to do first--something that must be done if I could only see my way clear to it.

Yes--if I could only see my way and follow it straightly, resolutely, remorselessly! My thoughts were confused, like the thoughts of a fever-stricken man in delirium--the scent of the rose-leaves I held sickened me strangely--yet I would not throw them from me; no, I would keep them to remind me of the embraces I had witnessed! I felt for my purse! I found and opened it, and placed the withering red petals carefully within it.

As I slipped it again in my pocket I remembered the two leathern pouches I carried--the one filled with gold, the other with the jewels I had intended for--HER.

My adventures in the vault recurred to me; I smiled as I recollected the dire struggle I had made for life and liberty.

Life and liberty!--of what use were they to me now, save for one thing--revenge?
I was not wanted; I was not expected back to refill my former place on earth--the large fortune I had possessed was now my wife's by the decree of my own last will and testament, which she would have no difficulty in proving.