.

." 'He drew quick breaths at every few words and shot quick glances at my face, as though in his anguish he were watchful of the effect.

He was not speaking to me, he was only speaking before me, in a dispute with an invisible personality, an antagonistic and inseparable partner of his existence--another possessor of his soul.

These were issues beyond the competency of a court of inquiry: it was a subtle and momentous quarrel as to the true essence of life, and did not want a judge.

He wanted an ally, a helper, an accomplice.