Long ago in Paris this Phayre had been his teacher, had saved him from starvation, had treated him with a gentleman's courtesy.

Even his crimes had not estranged this friend.

Phayre had baptized his child, and tended his wife when he was in hiding.

But a week ago he had spoken a kindly word in the Mall to one who had rarely a kind word from an honest man.
That day had been to the spy a revelation of odd corners in his soul.
He had mustered in the morning the resolution to kill one man.

Now he discovered a scruple which bade him at all risks avert the killing of another.