too stern to be melted and
turned aside by a melody. And, sir, one of the most sacred duties that
can fall to the trust of a man is to see that the family name, which is
to survive after he has folded his hands in eternal stillness--pardon my
devious methods, for I assure you that my windings proceed from a
kindness of heart--I say that my duty now is to those who may bear my
name in the future. I trust that I am now sufficiently started to speak
plainly. I don't doubt the real worth and sterling integrity of your
stock, Mr. Jucklin, but an agreement that we once made must be set
aside."

He stood with his broad hat in his hand and out of it he grabbled a
handkerchief and wiped his face. Old Lim gazed steadily at him. "My
words sound cold and formal," the General continued, "and I wish that
they might be warmer and more at ease, but in vain have I tempered with
them. The short of it all is, and I have striven not to say it
bluntly--is that the engagement which has held us in prospective
relationship is hereby broken; but by this I do not mean that your son
is guilty of murder, for in his heart he may see himself justified, but
a decision of court has--and I wish I could find a softer means of
saying it--court has pronounced him guilty, and that places the marriage
out of the question. Bear with me just a moment more, for I assure you
that I am suffering keenly with you, that my heart is in sorrowful
unison with your own. Family pride may be regarded a hobby in this day
when refinement and respectability are sneered at, but it is a virtuous
hobby, and I have held it so long that I cannot put it down. And now, in
so far as there is any question of a financial obligation, we will turn
our backs upon it and forget that it ever existed."

He put his handkerchief into his hat, changed his hat to his other hand
and stood looking at Jucklin; and I had expected to see the old man leap
off the floor in a rage, but I cannot recall ever having seen a cooler
show of indifference. "I put gaffs on 'em early this mornin' an' kept
'em waitin' for the finish, and when it come it come soon," he said.

"Mr. Jucklin, I had hoped to make myself sufficiently clear. I have
come, sir, to break the engagement that was foolishly arranged by us to
bind your daughter and my son."

"Bob died first, but Sam could jest stagger, and he fluttered against me
and covered my hands with his blood; and I must apologize for not
washin' 'em, but it is not