"The trouble is that the man who has crossed the line once may do so again.

Well, you see who these people are, and if he meets them here it means that I vouch for him." Thorne sighed.

"If Atkinson has blundered, I am afraid that I must speak.

Now I don't think you need be afraid of Seaforth crossing that line again.

He was not worse than foolish and somebody victimized him, but he has had his punishment and borne it very well--while if you knew the whole story you would scarcely blame him." "And that is all you can tell me ?" "Yes," said Thorne, very quietly.