"But you might use it to disgrace his name."
"We are his parents, girl."
"But you suspect him, what of?"
"Of wronging you—we have suspected him of this!"
"Yes, Katharine, father couldn't help it, you know. It broke his heart, but he—that is, we couldn't clear Nelson in our minds. If you can only help us, dear!"
Katharine bent toward the fire, clasping both hands around her knees, and muttering to herself, "It would be worse than death to think ill of him. They have a right."
She drew back slowly, and turned to the old man.
"Promise me something, Mr. Thrasher."
"I will promise any thing that will be for your good."
"Promise never to let any human being know what is in this paper, and I'll show it to you."