288 FOR THE FLAG

ever, is not the moment for discussion. I know that my
arguments will take no hold on that unhinged mind ;
nothing I can say can have any effect upon the unfortu-
nate dupe who had been so embittered by disappointment.
By revealing to him the real name of Count d’Artigas,
. and denouncing the gang and its chief, I hoped to with-
draw him from their influence, to show him the vile end
they had in view. I-was mistaken. He does not believe
me! and then, even if Count d’Artigas is Ker Karraje,
what does it matter ?. Is not he, Thomas Roch, master of
Backcup? Is he not the possessor of all the wealth that
has been gained by twenty years of murder and rapine ?

Disarmed before such moral degeneration, not knowing
where to touch that perverted nature, that irresponsible
soul, I drew back by degrees to the door of the laboratory.
There was nothing for me but to retire. What will
happen must happen, since it is not in my power to
prevent the awful catastrophe that is almost upon us.

Besides, Roch did not even sce me. He appeared to
have forgotten that I was there, as he had forgotten all
that had passed between us. He had set to work again
without noticing that he was not alone.

There was only one way to’ prevent the imminent
disaster. To seize Roch, to render him incapable of dong
harm, to strike him. Yes! killhim! It is my right. It is
my duty.

I had no weapon, but on the bench I saw a chisel and a
hammer. What hinders me from knocking the inventor
on the head? Were he dead, I would break the tubes,