The Chief gave a deep groan which caused Chrissy to close the book hurriedly. Taking his hand gently in hers, she said:
"I fear that I have wearied you, or is it the old pain again?"
"It is true! it is true!" he said. "When I look back over the past achievements of my life they are of no profit when viewed in the light of eternity. The sun that has lighted our way, dear child, is going down in a cloud—a dark, dark cloud!"
"Why is that, dear father? Have you not lived up to the family motto—Mens conscia recti? Have you not always followed the dictates of conscience?"
"Yes," he replied.
"Have you kept every command in the decalogue?"
"Yes," he said, confidently.
"And have you loved the Lord God with all your mind and with all your strength, and your neighbor as yourself? Have you always put God first in everything?"
Here the aged Chief hesitated. Tears were in his eyes, his hand trembled, a look of pain came into his face, as he replied:
"No, Chrissy, I have not."