"
Then he laughed and I guessed what had occurred. My young friend
must have paid a stiff price; but Phyllis and peace were worth it;
and I have said that Randall is a young man of fortune.
"My dear boy," said I, "if you have exorcised this devil of a
father-in-law of yours out of Wellingsford, I'll do any mortal
thing you ask."
I was almost ecstatic. For think what it meant to those whom I
held dear. The man's evil menace was removed from the midst of us.
The man's evil voice was silenced. The tragic secrets of the canal
would be kept. I looked up at my young friend. There was a grim
humour around the corners of his mouth and in his eyes the quiet
masterfulness of those who have looked scornfully at death. I
realised that he had reached a splendid manhood. I realised that
Gedge had realised it too; woe be to him if he played Randall
false. I stuck out my hand.
"Any mortal thing," I repeated.
He regarded me steadily. "Anything? Do you really mean it?"
"You dashed young idiot," I cried, "do you think I'm in the habit
of talking through my hat?"
"Well," said he, "will you look after Phyllis when I'm gone?"
"Gone? Gone where? Eternity?"
"No, no! I've only a fortnight's leave.
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