“Forgive my hasty words. The—the surprise—the shock was almost more than I could bear! For the moment I was dumbfounded—crazed.”
The older man eagerly grasped the proffered hand and replied in agitated tones:
“I have nothing to forgive, my son. Would to God you could say as much!”
“You—are—my—father!” Ross muttered mechanically.
“I am John Douglas, your father,” was the convincing reply.
Each had partially regained control of his feelings. Now the son said softly:
“Tell me all—all!”
There was intense bitterness in the father’s voice, as he answered:
“Yes, my boy, now I’ll tell you everything. The whole truth can’t make you despise me more than you do already—than I despise myself. Are you ready to listen patiently?”
Ross nodded; and his father proceeded: