That was why he wanted to make Rocque Valescure his debtor.

It was not his way to perjure his soul for nothing.

He had done so in Spain--yet not for nothing either.

He had saved his head, which was now doing useful work for himself and for a needy fellow-creature.

No one could doubt that he had helped a neighbour in great need, and had done it at some expense to his own nerve and brain.