judgment of what has happened if he had been at fault. But the facts of
the case are these." He held up an impressive forefinger and laid it
flat across the large, ruddy palm of the other hand. "First of all, he
married a cat! C-a-t, cat. Is that clear, Gerald?"

"Yes, sir."

"Good! What sort of a dance she led him out there in Manila, I've heard.
Never mind that, now. What I want you to know is how he behaved--with
what quiet dignity, steady patience, and sweet temper under constant
provocation and mortification, he conducted himself. Then that fellow
Ruthven turned up--and--Selwyn is above that sort of suspicion. Besides,
his scouts took the field within a week."

He dropped a heavy, highly coloured fist on his desk with a bang.

"After that hike, Selwyn came back, to find that Alixe had sailed with
Jack Ruthven. And what did he do; take legal measures to free himself,
as you or I or anybody with an ounce of temper in 'em would have done?
No; he didn't. That infernal Selwyn conscience began to get busy, making
him believe that if a woman kicks over the traces it must be because of
some occult shortcoming on his part. In some way or other that man
persuaded himself of his responsibility for her misbehaviour. He knew
what it meant if he didn't ask the law to aid him to get rid of her; he
knew perfectly well that his silence meant acknowledgment of
culpability; that he couldn't remain in the service under such
suspicion.

"And now, Gerald," continued Austin, striking his broad palm with
extended forefinger and leaning heavily forward, "I'll tell you what