His thoughts were in a turmoil, yet one thing was hatefully clear.

Cranston was not the unworthy slacker he had believed him to be.

Philippa's whole point of view might well be changed by this discovery--especially now that Cranston had made up his mind to assert himself for his wife's sake.

There was an icy fear in his heart.
"You understand," Hayter persisted coldly, "what it is you have to do ?" "Perfectly.

I shall return by the afternoon train," was the despairing reply.
"If you succeed," Hayter continued, "I shall see that you get the usual acknowledgment, but I will, if you wish it, ask for your transfer to another branch of the service.