Now he could inspect his prisoner clearly, and Ralph could study the worn, frenzied face of his captor. The latter had calmed down somewhat.
“Boy,” he said, finally, “I don’t dare to let you go, and I don’t know what to do.”
“See here,” spoke Ralph, “you are in deep trouble. I don’t want to make you any more trouble. Suppose you tell me all about yourself and see if I can’t help you out.” 232
“Oh, I don’t dare to trust any one,” groaned the man.
“You spoke of Gasper Farrington,” suggested Ralph. “Is he an enemy of yours?”
“He has ruined my life,” declared the convict.
“And why do you seek him?”
“To demand reparation, to drag him to the same fate he drove me to. Just let me find him—that is all I wish—to meet him face to face.”
Ralph began to quietly tell the story of his own dealings with the village magnate of Stanley Junction. It had a great effect upon his auditor. From dark distrust and suspicion his emotions gradually subsided to interest, and finally to confidence.
It was only by gradations that Ralph led the man to believe that he was his friend and could help him in his difficulties.