Why did you not
confide in me?"
The invalid shook his head. "There might have been danger in it."
"Never from me," was the emphatic answer.
"Ah, my lord, you don't know. I haven't dared to make myself known to a
soul. Mr. Hillary found it out, and I couldn't help myself."
Lord Hartledon glanced round at the strange place: the rafters, the rude
walls. A fire was burning on the hearth, and the appliances brought to
bear were more comfortable than might have been imagined; but still--
"Surely you will allow yourself to be removed to a better place, Willy?"
he said.
"Call me Pike," came the feverish interruption. "Never that other name
again, my lord; I've done with it for ever. As to a better place--I shall
have that soon enough."
"You wanted to say something to me, Mr. Hillary said."
"I've wanted to say it some time now, and to beg your lordship's pardon.
It's about the late earl's death."
"My brother's?"
"Yes. I was on the wrong scent a long time. And I can tell you what
nobody else will."
Lord Hartledon lifted his head quickly; thoughts were crowding
impulsively into his mind, and he spoke in the moment's haste.
"Surely you had not anything to do with that!"
"No; but I thought your lordship had."
"What do you mean?" asked Lord Hartledon, quietly.
"It's for my foolish and wicked and mistaken thought that I would crave
pardon before I go.
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