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 and its fire yet played about John's eyes. Then and there the discussion of that aspect of the affair ceased. "And," remarked John, with anger still in his heart, "that she left the boat against her wishes is false, utterly false."

"But William Blake informed us—"

"Then William Blake spoke an untruth knowingly," replied John; "now continue if thee pleases."

"Thy vehemence does not speak well for thy entire innocence," slowly drawled one of the committee, who had until then been silent.

"Perhaps sufficient indignation might rouse thee to vehemence, or has thee no pride in thy good name?" asked John, with almost a sneer in his tone, and that committee-man lapsed into silence, with his fingers interlocked and thumbs twirling rapidly.

Then followed a short silence on the part of all, and, having gathered his scattered thoughts, the spokesman began again some glittering generality, but John's patience was