Then he said, "I never asked you any questions about the old country, Charley, and I don't mean to now, but I have fancied now and then that you brought out some trouble along with you." Seaforth glanced down at his comrade, smiling curiously.

"I may tell you some time--but not now.

You do well to be thankful, Harry, and do you believe that any woman would think the worse of you because you cut down the man who meant to take your life, you big, great-natured fool ?" Alton sighed.

"Well," he said very slowly, "perhaps it is better over, because that and other things would have to be told; but though I had only an axe against his pistol I can't get that man's face out of my memory." Seaforth's face was somewhat awry just then.

"You can tell your story without a blush--if you think it necessary, but I have not the courage to tell mine--and the silence may cost me very dear," he said.
Alton seemed a trifle bewildered.