Now, I have made my confession--I suppose there is something in the life of every man that he ought to hide--but be the consequences what they may I am glad I have made it." Mr.McLean rose from his chair and then sat down again.

Twice that day he had been shaken by emotion as never before, once by the return of the lad whom he loved, risen from the dead, and once by the confession of a terrible secret that had haunted him for years.
"When I was on the island I reread both books in excellent translations," said Robert, the utmost sympathy showing in his voice, "and I confess, sir, though my opinion is a poor one, that it agrees with yours.

Moreover, sir, you have said it ahead of me.

I shall maintain it, whenever and wherever it is challenged." Mr.McLean's frosty blue eyes gleamed again, and his sharp strong chin set itself at a firm defiant angle.

It was clear that he was relieved greatly.
"Have a pipe, Alexander," said Master Jacobus.