"'My dear friends,'" she read, "'I had hoped to write you long ago, but I have been waiting for better news to tell. My struggle is over and I am now master of myself. I paid to my creditors all the money you gave me.'"
"Did you give him money?" Sinth looked up to inquire.
"Uh-huh," Strong answered.
"How much?"
"All I had."
"You're a fool!" Sinth exclaimed, and went on reading as follows:'
"'Socky had given me his little tin bank. It contained just a dollar and thirty-two cents. The sacred sum paid my fare to Benson Falls and bought my dinner. I got a job there in the mill and soon I expect to be its manager. I'm a new man. If you want a job I can place you here at good pay. In a week or two I shall—'"
Sinth stopped reading and covered her face with her apron.
"What does it s-say?" Silas inquired, soberly.
She handed the letter to him, and he read the last words: "'I shall come after the children and will then pay you in full with interest. No, I can never pay you in full, for there's something better than money that I owe you.'" Strong's face changed color. He dropped the letter and rose.