'Had I a heart for falsehood framed, I ne'er could injure you,'

ungrateful dog though I may seem, and very likely am. I own I have a
horror of Australasia--such a long sea-voyage! New scenes no longer
attract me; I am no longer young, though I ought to be; but if you insist
on it, and will really condescend to accompany me in spite of all my sins
to you, why, I can make up my mind. And as to honesty, ask those
infernal rascals, who, you say, would swear away my life, and they will
tell you that I have been as innocent as a lamb since my return to
England; and that is my guilt in their villanous eyes. As long as that
infamous Poole gave me enough for my humble wants, I was a reformed man.
I wish to keep reformed. Very little suffices for me now. As you say,
Australasia may be the best place for me. When shall we go?"

"Are you serious?"

"To be sure."

"Then I will inquire the days on which the vessels sail. You can call on
me at my own old home, and all shall be arranged. Oh, Jasper Losely, do
not avoid this last chance of escape from the perils that gather round
you."

"No; I am sick of life--of all things except repose. Arabella, I suffer
horrible pain."

He groaned, for he spoke truly. At that moment the gnaw of the monster
anguish, which fastens on the nerves like a wolf's tooth, was so keen
that he longed to swell his groan into a roar. The old fable of Hercules