It seemed a cruel stroke of fate that I should get this hope at the very moment when I was to leave her and go into the shadow of death.
But that was no hour to think of love, I took every man apart and swore him, though there was little need, to stand by the girl at all costs.
To Grey I opened my inmost thoughts.
"You and I serve one mistress," I said, "and now I confide her to your care.

All that I would have done I am assured you will do.

My heart is easier when I know that you are by her side.

Once we were foes, and since then we have been friends, and now you are the dearest friend on earth, for I leave you with all I cherish." He flushed deeply and gave me his hand.
"Go in peace, sir," he said.

"If God wills that we perish, my last act will be to assure an easy passage to heaven for her we worship.