"I think we
are too concerned with trifles where the matter on which I have
sought you is a serious one."
"It is of the utmost seriousness," he admitted gravely.
"Won't you tell me what it is?"
He told her quite simply the whole story, not forgetting to give
prominence to the circumstances extenuating it in Butler's favour.
She listened with a deepening frown, rather pale, her head bowed.
"And when he is taken," she asked, "what - what will happen to him?"
"Let us hope that he will not be taken."
"But if he is - if he is?" she insisted almost impatiently.
Captain Tremayne turned aside and looked out of the window. "I
should welcome the news that he is dead," he said softly. "For if
he is taken he will find no mercy at the hands of his own people."
"You mean that he will be shot?" Horror charged her voice, dilated
her eyes.
"Inevitably."
A shudder ran through her, and she covered her face with her halls.
When she withdrew then Tremayne beheld the lovely countenance
transformed. It was white and drawn.
"But surely Terence can save him!" she cried piteously.
He shook his head, his lips tight pressed. "'There is no man less
able to do so."
"What do you mean? Why do you say that?"
He looked at her, hesitating for a, moment, then answered her:
"'O'Moy has pledged his word to the Portuguese Government that Dick
Butler shall be shot when taken.
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