You can never
pretend that you trusted me, you know."
"I tried to do my duty," said the old man mournfully, "and if
electricity has been your helper, it has not been with my sanction.
However, there is one point about electricity which you impressed upon
me, which is that although it goes quickly, there is always a return
current."
"What do you mean by that, Governor?"
"Is it not so? It goes by a wire, and returns through the earth. I
thought you told me that."
"Yes, but I don't quite see why you mention that feature of the case
at this particular moment."
"I wanted to be sure what I have stated is true. You see, when you are
gone there will be nobody I can ask."
All this time the aged Governor was holding Jack's hand rather limply.
Drummond showed signs of impatience.
"Jack," he cried at last, "that conversation may be very interesting,
but it's like smoking on a powder mine. One never knows what may
happen. I shan't feel safe until we're well out at sea, and not even
then. Get through with your farewells as soon as possible, and let us
be off."
"Right you are, Alan, my boy. Well, Governor, I'm reluctantly
compelled to bid you a final good-by, but here's wishing you all sorts
of luck."
The old man seemed reluctant to part with him, and still clung to his
hand.
"I wanted to tell you," he said, "of another incident, almost as
startling as your coming into this room a while since, that happened
six or eight months ago.
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