He had fought this feeling heretofore, sternly, deliberately, satisfied that such ambition was hopeless.

He would not attempt to lower her to his level, nor give her the unhappiness of knowing that he dared misconstrue her frank friendliness into aught more tender.

But these misfortunes had changed the entire outlook.
Now he flung all pretence aside, eager to place his life on the altar to save her.

Even a dim flame of hope began blazing in his heart--hope that he might yet wring from Le Fevre a confession that would clear his name.

He knew his man at last--knew him, and would track him now with all the pitiless ingenuity of a savage.