And then Randal forgot the pledge that he had given to Ormond with his hand-grip.
It was dusk when Ormond came into the hut. Randal lay on the bunk with his face on his arms; but the tension of his body showed no rest. He rose as Ormond struck a light.
"Thanks," he said, vaguely. "I've made my- self pretty much at home, haven't I? Good- night."
Ormond's hand was on the latch first.
"Where are you going?"
"Down to the township — ^to get drunk, I think. Phelan's is the best place, if you'd like to know. Kerosene and painkiller. But it knocks the senses out of you quicker than any- thing else."
"You'll have tea with me first," said Or- mond, unmoving.
"No — ^let me go, Ormond."
"I am not going to ask questions. But you are safer here than in Phelan's bar to-night, Randal."
"I have broken my word to you," said Ran- dal.
The steady grey eyes met his straightly. Then Ormond came over with his hand out.
"I had no business to ask it, I think. Will you shake again, Randal ? And now we'll have some tea."
