Tarboe is a master-man; he has fought like hell." "Nevertheless, I've been too long at it to miss it now," said the rueful member with a forced smile.

"I must win now, or my game is up." The agent nodded, but there was no certainty in his eye.

Feeling ran higher and higher, but there was no indication that Barouche's hopes were sure of fulfilment.

His face became paler as the day wore on, and his hands freer with those of his late constituents.

Yet he noticed that Carnac was still glib with his tongue and freer with his hands.