with the brandy. But loss of blood had cooled my brain; and, perhaps, natural perversity had also a share in the composure which grew upon me as it deserted my companion.
“Why make such a sacrifice?” said I, smiling. “Why not let them do as they like?”
“I’ve told you why! I’m not so bad as all that. I draw the line at bloody murder! Not a life should have been lost if I’d had my way. Besides, I’ve done all the dirty work by you, Cole; there’s been no help for it. We didn’t know whether you knew
soon found myself at a loss in a terribly dark zone of timber. Already I had left the path. I felt in my pocket for matches. I had none.
My head was now clear enough, only deservedly heavy. I was still quarrelling with myself for my indiscretions and my incivilities, one and all the result of his wine