There was a wail of pain in the colonel's tone. He was silent for a few moments, and when he spoke again it was in a colder, quieter manner.
"It is useless to talk of the past," he said; "but, Gus, if you had known what I know of that man, you would not have rushed so eagerly to his rescue."
"But I did know," said Gus in a low tone; "my father told me."
"Eh, what?" exclaimed the colonel, turning quickly to look at him. "What did your father tell you?"
"We saw Mr. Darnell once. He was driving in a carriage," said Gus, "and my father pointed him out to me, and told me to remember that he was his and my worst enemy. And he bade me have my revenge on him, if ever it was in my power. I can never forget what father said, for it was only the day before he died."
"You knew that? He told you that?" said the colonel in a tone of extreme surprise. "And yet you risked your life to save that man! How could you?"
"I only wanted the more to save him because of that," replied Gus, speaking with an effort. "Don't you see, it was my revenge?"
For a few moments his grandfather was, from sheer amazement, unable to reply. He stared at Gus like one astounded. Then his eyes fell, his head drooped, and he sat silently pondering the boy's words.
"Gus," he said at last, in low, unsteady tones, "you are a gentleman."
Gus' face glowed with pleasure, but he made no reply.