I feared to show my real heart, my real fears, my real reason for not hailing my release, as every one evidently expected me to! With a gesture to the nurse, the doctor tiptoed out, muttering to Clifton, as he passed, some word of warning or casual instruction.

The nurse followed, and Clifton, coming forward, took a seat at my side.

He was cheerful but not too cheerful; and the air of slight constraint which tinged his manner, as much as it did mine, did not escape me.
"Well, old fellow," he began-- My hand went up in entreaty.
"Tell me why they have withdrawn their suspicions.

I've heard nothing--read nothing--for days.

I don't understand this move." For reply, he laid his hand on mine.
"You're stanch," he began.