It is my fate, and I have tried to bear it like a man.

I have borne it like a man, boy, though it has made me hard, callous, and brutal.

Dead to all who knew and loved me, I have still lived, thinking that perhaps some day the truth may rise like the sun and throw its light around.

Then I know it will be time to join the only one who believed me what I am." "And who was that ?" said Nic hoarsely.
"She who was to have been my wife.

It was her death." There was the hot stillness of the Australian midday around them, and for some time neither spoke.
Then all at once Leather sprang to his feet.
"There, sir," he said, "you are the first who has heard my tale.