Page 207 - The snake's pass

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CHAPTEE XI.
UN MAUVAIS QUART D'HEURE.
When we were strolling "back to the hotel Dick said to
me:
" Cheer up, old fellow You need'nt be the least bit
!
downhearted. Go soon and see Joyce. He will not
stand in the girl's way, you may be sure. He is a good
fellow, and loves Norah dearly—who could help it !
He stopped for a moment here, and choked a great
sob, but went on bravely :
" It is only like her to be willing to sacrifice her own
happiness ; but she must not be let do that. Settle the
matter soon! Go to-morrow to see Joyce. I shall go
up to Knocknacar instead of working with Murdock; it
will leave the coast clear for you." Then we went into
the hotel; and I felt as if a great weight had been
removed.
When I was undressing I heard a knock. " Come in,"
I called, and Dick entered. Dear old fellow ! I could
see that he had been wrestling with himself, and had
won. His eyes were red, but there was a noble manli-
ness about him which was beyond description.