At the sound of that voice, together with the mention of his name, Happy Jack whirls around, uttering a sharp cry. John’s back is no longer toward him--they look into each other’s face. Phœnix is terribly stricken. As if by magic the jaunty air leaves him, his knees quake, and his whole appearance is that of a man upon whom a thunderbolt has descended without the slightest warning. “Good God! John Atherton--here!” “Why not--my father’s house. The question is what brings you here--you whose duty lay in faithful service while I was away. Ah, Jack! your eyes fall. I was terribly mistaken in you. We know all. Colonel Bob Rocket, a sheriff from Denver, left this house not more than fifteen minutes ago. He wants _you_.” The young man’s appearance has undergone a terrible change. Sudden fear sets its stamp upon his face. For days he has kept this panic away from his mind by continual libations, so that he has been in a hilarious condition. Without warning the mask drops and he finds himself face to face with the man who has trusted him. All is known. The end is at hand--the terrible termination that generally winds up such cases as his. Before his eyes looms up the penitentiary or perhaps the dreadful fate of a suicide. Caught! No wonder his head hangs in shame--no wonder he dares not meet the eye of the man he so basely deceived. “Jack, how much of that money have you squandered?” asks the president firmly. “Less than a thousand, sir.” Jack seems to feel compelled to talk, even against his will. He has been accustomed to manifest the deepest respect for John Atherton. “Have you the rest of it with you?” “Yes, sir.” “Let me have it.” He acts like one in a dream, taking out a roll of bills and handing it to Atherton. “You may not believe me, sir, but I’m really glad it’s off my person. The temptation came; like a fool I yielded, and I’ve had not a minute of peace since. Now, do with me what you please. I deserve no mercy.” “Jack, you have a mother.” “For God’s sake, sir, don’t remind me of that! It’s the thought of her that’s set me almost crazy. My ruin will kill her,” and a shudder convulses his frame. If he had only considered his mother more before starting into this ugly business, he might have avoided the disgrace. Atherton is in a position to be lenient. Besides, he has always had a great interest in the young man. “Have you anything left, Jack?” he asks. “A few dollars, I believe, sir,” fumbling in his pockets, as if to chase the fugitive pieces. “No, no, I didn’t mean that. Here is one hundred dollars.” “Sir?” gasps Phœnix. “I may be compounding a felony, but I’ll take my chances of that. Leave this city and cross over, as you intended, to Canada. There endeavor to be a better man. This will all be hushed up, and your mother need never know of it. I do this, Jack, my boy, to give you a chance to redeem yourself.” At this Phœnix breaks completely down, his form shakes as great sobs rack his frame.