That he might have, and had not, that he had failed by so little, that he had been worsted by his own tools--these things and the bitter irony of life's chances would madden and torment him.

In an hour he would live a lifetime of remorse; yet find in his worst moments no thought more poignant than the reflection that had he played the game with courage, had he grasped the nettle boldly, had he seized Basterga while it was yet time, he might have lived! He might have lived! Ah, God! Meanwhile Louis, though consumed with desire to see what would happen, remained on the bridge.

He had tasted a fearful joy and would fain savour more of it if he could do so with a whole skin.

But to follow seemed perilous; he held the Syndic's mood in too great awe for that.

He did the next best thing.