"That is better than nothing. I promise to see to her. Something shall be arranged somehow." Cragg put aside recollections of his own embarrassments and of what his wife might say. He felt that he had no choice. Dale's hand grasped his with a feverish clutch. "You promise—promise—" "I do indeed. Pattie shall never be without a friend, so long as I live. One way or another, I'll see that she is not homeless. I will count myself her guardian. Will that do?" "You promise to take her in—to give her a home in your house?" Cragg had carefully avoided giving that pledge exactly, and he hesitated, not from personal reluctance, but from a fear of what Mrs. Cragg might say. "A home in your house," repeated the other faintly; and the craving gaze overmastered his doubts. "She shall live with us as long as she wishes to do so." Dale's face worked. "Thank you—thank you," was murmured. "I may be sure—I may rely on your word?" "I promise," repeated Cragg. "I thought—I was sure—you would not refuse a dying man's wish." "You say Pattie has twenty pounds a year. But you have had more than that?" "Yes. The rest ceases with my life. I mean—it goes elsewhere. I had— only a life-interest." Then a pause. Cragg wondered if he ought to go. "Remember—one thing—" broke out the other suddenly,—"remember, if—" "Yes. What am I to remember?" "If he—if Mr. Peterson comes—" "Yes. Go on. Who is Mr. Peterson?" "He was—he was my employer before we came here. If he ever comes— remember—I did not do it. In the sight of God I say that. It was not I. I didn't do it. You believe me?" "I don't quite understand. You were accused of something wrongfully?" "Yes, wrongfully." "And that was how you lost your friends? That was why you came away?" "That was why. I could prove nothing. It was done by another—not me! But they would not believe what I said. Will you believe me? I could not keep up a lie now—in the face of death. And before God I can say that I did not do it. Can you believe me?" "Yes, yes! I am sure it wasn't you. At such a time as this I am sure, quite sure, you could not tell me what was not true. I do believe you." "I am speaking the truth to you. I say I didn't do it, and I don't know who did. I could not bear to be suspected by them—and they dismissed me. So we came here. Pattie doesn't know. I don't want her to know—unless my name is cleared some day, and everything comes out. Only, you will remember that it was not I. And Pattie will be alone in the world." "No, not alone. She can never be alone while God is with her. He is with you too—at hand to help you." Dale smiled dimly. "If He wasn't—I should be in a bad way now," he panted. His breath came very painfully. "Would you like to see the clergyman?" "He has been. I should like to see him again. Soon—if possible."