To Magnus, his given word was sacred.

Though now he wanted to, he could not as yet draw back, could not promise his wife that he would decide to do right.

The matter must be delayed a few days longer.
Lamely, he explained this to her.

Annie Derrick made but little response when he had done.

She kissed his forehead and went out of the room, uneasy, depressed, her mind thronging with vague fears, leaving Magnus before his office desk, his head in his hands, thoughtful, gloomy, assaulted by forebodings.
Meanwhile, Annixter, Phelps, and Presley continued on their way toward Bonneville.