ead a bit if ye like," responded McAravey, leaning back on
the bed, quite satisfied now that the priest had been sent for; "only
no controversy; it's not fit for a dyin' man--or for any man, for the
matter o' that."

"No controversy!" said Hendrick, smiling; "well, will this suit you?
'_Without controversy_ great is the mystery of godliness. God was
manifest in the flesh, justified in the spirit, seen of angels,
preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into
glory.' Do you believe that, Mike?"

"Aye, aye; it's wonderful to think on," murmured the dying man, in his
deep, solemn voice. "I doubt I 've been a bit hard sometimes, but I
've always been honest and paid my way." Then after a pause, "Ye may
go on with your readin'; I 'm no ways prejudiced. I think Prodestan
and Catholic is pretty much alike with God."

"Aye, Mike, alike in this, that '_all_ have sinned and come short of
the glory of God.' None of us can stand before Him as we are; but
remember what Paul says again, there could be no disputing about, 'This
is a true saying and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came
into the world to save sinners.'"

"I believe that," said McAravey; "but now I 'd like to sleep a bit;
only don't go away, for if the priest don't come in time, I must
confess to you, George. Ye won't object to hear me and give me
absolution, will you?" he added with an effort to smile.

"I won't leave you, Mike, and I'll hear what you have to say; and as
for absolution, I 'll try to point you to the great Absolver--our
Advocate with the Father--who is the propitiation for our sins."

It was after ten o'clock when Father Donnelly arrived. After a short
private interview with the patient, Hendrick was summoned to the room.

"There is a part of my confession," said the old man, "which, by your
leave, father, I 'd like my friend to hear--it will save us the time of
going over the same bit twice."

The priest nodded silently, not, however, looking very pleased at the
somewhat light tone in which McAravey spoke.

"It's about the two children, and the poor creature that was found by
them on the sands last spring. It's been heavy on my mind this long
time, and I can't go out of the world without explaining all I know
about the story. And now to begin at the beginning. It's just about
seven years ago, and a couple before we came here, that the children
came to us. We were very hard-up at that time, and '