Then a pause. Cragg wondered if he ought to go.
"Remember—one thing—" broke out the other suddenly,—"remember, if—"
"Yes. What am I to remember?"
"If he—if Mr. Peterson comes—"
"Yes. Go on. Who is Mr. Peterson?"
"He was—he was my employer before we came here. If he ever comes— remember—I did not do it. In the sight of God I say that. It was not I. I didn't do it. You believe me?"
"I don't quite understand. You were accused of something wrongfully?"
"Yes, wrongfully."
"And that was how you lost your friends? That was why you came away?"
"That was why. I could prove nothing. It was done by another—not me! But they would not believe what I said. Will you believe me? I could not keep up a lie now—in the face of death. And before God I can say that I did not do it. Can you believe me?"