He would take more than mortal risks, and you couldn't scare him by any ordinary terror.

But let his old conscience get cross-eyed, let him find himself in some situation which in his eyes involved his honour, and he might go stark crazy.

The woman, who roused in me and Blenkiron only hatred, could catch his imagination and stir in him--for the moment only--an unwilling response.

And then came bitter and morbid repentance, and the last desperation.
It was no time to mince matters.

'Sandy, you old fool,' I cried, 'be thankful you have friends to keep you from playing the fool.