Heaven
knows, I can't tell you. Dad gave a lurch, and a great heave, as if at
the removal of a rope that had all but strangled him.

"Ahuh-huh!' he groaned. 'An' now you're hyar--what's thet mean?'

"It means that it's not yet too late,' replied Jack. 'Don't
misunderstand me. I'm not repenting with that side of me which is bad.
But I've sobered up. I've had a shock. I see my ruin. I still love you,
dad, despite--the cruel thing you did to me. I'm your son and I'd like
to make up to you for all my shortcomings. And so help me Heaven! I can
do that, and will do it, if Collie will marry me. Not only marry
me--that'd not be enough--but love me--I'm crazy for her love. It's
terrible.'

"You spoiled weaklin'!' thundered dad. 'How 'n hell can I believe you?'

"Because I know it,' declared Jack, standing right up to his father,
white and unflinching.

"Then dad broke out in such a rage that I sat there scared so stiff I
could not move. My heart beat thick and heavy. Dad got livid of face,
his hair stood up, his eyes rolled. He called Jack every name I ever
heard any one call him, and then a thousand more. Then he cursed him.
Such dreadful curses! Oh, how sad and terrible to hear dad!

"Right you are!' cried Jack, bitter and hard and ringing of voice.
'Right, by God! But am I all to blame? Did I bring myself here on this
earth!... There's something wrong in me that's not all my fault.... You
can't shame me or scare me or hurt me. I could fling in your face those
damned three years of hell you sent me to! But what's the use for you to
roar at me or for me to reproach you? I'm ruined unless you give me
Collie--make her love me. That will save me. And I want it for your sake
and hers--not for my own. Even if I do love her madly I'm not wanting
her for that. I'm no good. I'm not fit to touch her.... I've just come
to tell you the truth. I feel for Collie--I'd do for Collie--as you did
for my mother! Can't you understand? I'm your son. I've some of you in
me. And I've found out what it is. Do you and Collie want to take me
at my word?'

"I think it took dad longer to read something strange and convincing in
Jack than it took me. Anyway, dad got the stunning consciousness that
Jack _knew_ by some divine or intuitive power that his reformation was
inevitable, if I loved him. Never have I had such a distressing and
terrible moment as that revelation brought to me! I felt the truth. I
could save Jack Belllounds. No woman is ever