Godfrey seemed also to understand, for there was a look of fixed horror on his face. "Dick," said Major Langdon, "it's my turn now. I can't last long, and I want to confess--" "No, no," interrupted Captain Stanbury. "Let that rest, Gerald. It can do no good to tell it." "But I must," persisted the dying man, in a shrill voice. "Do you think I can go to my grave with such a burden on my soul? I came here to-night to kill you, Dick, and I have been justly punished. God knows I am repentant--" "I believe you are, Gerald." "Thank you, Dick. Now let me speak while I can--let me tell it all. I recognized my nephew in Philadelphia, and you I discovered on the field of Monmouth. I heard you speak of the papers, and it was then I first conceived this awful crime. I wanted the title and estates--I wanted to be Earl of Ravenswood, Dick, and you and your son stood in the way. But I hated you both because you were rebels, else I could hardly have gone so far. I had you carried off the field, and I told the Hessians to kill you--" "I suspected that, Gerald. I saw and recognized you when you rode by me to the rear. But I was too weak to speak." "And do you know what I did next, Dick? Do you know that I sent a band of ruffians to steal the papers--that I paid Simon Glass to kill your boy--my own nephew?" "Yes, I know that, too. I heard it from Nathan, who was mercifully saved from death." "And can you forgive me, Dick? I have no right to ask it, but I am truly repentant. You won't refuse a dying man?" Captain Stanbury leaned over and took his brother's hand. "Gerald, I do forgive you," he said. "I have no right to be a judge, and you are paying the last penalty of your sins." A look that was almost peaceful came into Major Langdon's eyes. He gasped for breath, and feebly raised his head higher. "I shall die happier now," he said, "as happy as any man in my circumstances can. But what are you doing here, Spencer? I can't understand it." In a few words Godfrey explained, and the Major smiled faintly. "You did right, my lad," he whispered. "I am glad that Glass is dead, and that he failed in his purpose. What a wretch I have been! I sent you along, Spencer, so that Glass would know my nephew from his resemblance to you. It is a strange likeness, and I have often wondered at it." He was silent for a moment, struggling with pain and weakness. When Godfrey poured some brandy between his teeth his face flushed and he gained fresh strength. "Dick," he whispered, turning to his brother, "you will go home now, won't you? I received a brief letter a month ago informing me of father's death. So you are the Earl of Ravenswood, and your son is Lord Langdon." "I want neither the title nor the estates," exclaimed Captain Stanbury, almost fiercely. "I am a true American, Gerald, and after what I have seen of this bitter war I wish no more to do with England. And yet, for my son's sake--"