He even went to them, and begged them to let him off the promise so that he might come and confess to you, but he did not succeed." "Did he ask you, then, to come and tell me ?" "No, sir.

But he is in constant dread of your hearing about it from any one else, so that I thought it would be the best thing to tell you of it myself." The doctor nodded his head.
"He does not know, of course, of your doing this ?" "Oh no, sir." "And who were the companions who you say took him to this place ?" Riddell coloured up and felt very uncomfortable.
"Do you mind me not telling you, sir ?" he said.

"Wyndham only wanted you to know about his part in it.

I'll tell you if you wish," added he, "but I'd rather not if you do not mind." "You need not do so at present," said the doctor, greatly to the captain's relief, "but you had better send Wyndham to me." "Yes, sir," said Riddell, turning to go, but lingering for one final word.

"I hope, sir--you--that is, if you can--you will take a lenient view of it.