Since this man entered the laboratory fifty reasons for his coming had flashed across his mind; he had prepared himself at many corners for defence, he had rallied every mental resource, he had imagined a dozen dangerous events which his father and Luke Claridge shared--with the balance against his father; but this thing was beyond all speculation.

Yet on the instant the words were said he had a conviction of their inevitable truth.

Even as they were uttered, kaleidoscopic memories rushed in, and David's face, figure, personal characteristics, flashed before him.

He saw, he felt, the likeness to his father and himself; a thousand things were explained that could only be explained by this fatal fact launched at him without warning.

It was as though, fully armed for his battle of life, he had suddenly been stripped of armour and every weapon, and left naked on the field.