"And one—without a character, sir."
"Nevertheless," said Barnabas, "I think you are the very man I require."
"Sir," exclaimed the fugitive, staring, "sir?"
"And therefore," continued Barnabas, "you may consider yourself engaged."
"Engaged, sir—engaged!" stammered the man—"me?"
"As my valet," nodded Barnabas.
"But, sir, I told you—I was—a thief!"
"Yes," said Barnabas, "and therefore I have great hopes of your future honesty."
Now hereupon the man, still staring, rose up to his knees, and with a swift, appealing gesture, stretched out his hands towards Barnabas, and his hands were trembling all at once.
"Sir!" said he, "oh, sir—d'ye mean it? You don't know, you can't know what such an offer means to me. Sir, you're not jesting with me?"