John shook his head sadly. "He is master here, Rege. There is nothing else for me to do."
"But, John, it is impossible—preposterous! Why, everything will go to ruin without you, and I will take the lead."
"No, no!" said John quickly. "You will be a rich man some day, Rege.
Wealth is a wonderful opportunity. Prepare yourself to use it well."
"I tell you I can't do anything without you, John. I am like a ship without a rudder. It is no use talking. I cannot spare you. You must not go!"
"If you take the great Pilot aboard, Rege, you will be in no danger of drifting. It is only when we choose Self for our Captain that the ship runs on the rocks."
* * * * *
"Don, Don!" The child heard his step in the hall long before he reached the door. He was coming, as he did every night, to give her a ride in his arms before she went to by-by. She held out her little arms from which the loose sleeves had fallen back. John lifted her up, for the last time.
He laid his strong, set face against the rosy cheek, and looked into the laughing eyes which the sand man had already sprinkled with his magic powder. "Nansie, baby, I have come to say good-bye."
"Not dood-bye, Don, oo always say dood-night."
"But it is good-bye this time, little one, there will be no more good-nights for you and me. I am going away."