One MUST care for her, you understand; it is natural, even when it is torture to do so." He put his hand on his side and moved as if in pain.

I reached over and felt his pulse, then took his hand and pressed it, saying: "I will be your friend now, Madras, in so far as I can." He looked up at me gratefully, and replied: "I know that--I know that.
It is more than I deserve." Then he began to speak of his past.

He told me of Hungerford's kindness to him on the 'Dancing Kate', of his luckless days at Port Darwin, of his search for his wife, his writing to her, and her refusal to see him.

He did not rail against her.

He apologised for her, and reproached himself.