Young was very quiet during this recital. He was considering the eager, boyish, upraised face.
"I hope ye believe me, mister—sir—please do," Andy pleaded.
Deforrest Young crossed his legs, smoothed his hair with one hand, and sat back in his chair.
"I think I do," he nodded presently. "Only I am placed in a very peculiar position. By rights I ought to send you back—then help you afterward if I can."
Tessibel sat up, her eyes wildly frightened.
"Ye couldn't do that!" she cried. "Ye couldn't do that! Don't ye remember a day on the rocks, when I was awful sad, an' you said, 'Tess, if ye ever want me to do anything for ye, come and tell me.' Didn't ye say it?"
Young bowed his head.
"I air askin' it now," said Tess, throwing out her hand. "I air beggin' ye not to send Andy back. Let 'im stay with me. I promised Daddy I'd take care of 'im."
"Lie down again and be quiet, child," urged Deforrest, sadly. "You don't want to make yourself sick.... Hush, you mustn't cry!... Oh, child dear, will you please stop shaking that way?"
He had forgotten that when Tess loved any one, she would battle until her death before she gave him up.