So you see, good Hogan," he ended with a regretful smile, "my going with you is not to be dreamed of." Still the Irishman urged him, and a good half-hour did he devote to it, but in vain.

Realizing at last the futility of his endeavours, he sighed and moved uneasily in his chair, whilst the broad, tanned face was clouded with regret.

Crispin saw this, and approaching him, he laid a hand upon his shoulder.
"I had counted upon your help to clear the Ashburns from Castle Marleigh and to aid me in my grim work when the time is ripe.

But if you go--" "Faith, I may aid you yet.

Who shall say ?" Then of a sudden there crept into the voice of this hardened pike-trader a note of soft concern.
"Think you there be danger to yourself in remaining ?" he inquired.
"Danger?
To me ?" echoed Crispin.
"Aye--for having harboured me.