But such light as there was fell upon his face as he peered eagerly over and round the rock, and glinted down the barrels of the double ten-bore gun which he held across his knee.

It was a striking countenance, with its brownish eyes, dark peaked beard and strong features, very powerful and very able.

And yet there was a certain softness in the face, which hovered round the region of the mouth like light at the edge of a dark cloud, hinting at gentle sunshine.

But little of this was visible now.

Geoffrey Bingham, barrister-at-law of the Inner Temple, M.A., was engaged with a very serious occupation.