Leach can talk, but I am not in his shoes. I might be
better off if I were. I know I ought to do it. I ought to have done it
years ago. How can I refrain now when I have no one depending on me
and Henderson has that helpless family of his? I robbed them--law or
no law to back me, I robbed them. A higher law than man's holds me
guilty. I wonder what--" He stumbled along through the thickening
shadows beneath the trees, the boughs of which were locked and
interlaced overhead. "I wonder what Dolly would say. I needn't
wonder--I know. Many women would tell me not to bother, but she
wouldn't. She would be like Leach--so would Saunders. Great God! I
really _am_ vile. I know what I ought to do, but can't. Then there
is my child. If I have a hope left it is that he is safe with--God.
Yes, that's it--_with_ God. There must be a God--so many say so, and
He must love my little boy, and both of them would want me to do my duty.
"Oh, Dick, Dick! my son, my son!" he cried aloud, "are you close to me
now? Tell me, tell me what to do. Take my hand, little boy. Lead me. I
need you. I am your father, and you are only a child, but you can take
me out of this, for you are stronger than I am now."
The echo of his voice came back from the rocky heights.
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