For answer, Asshlin looked up, meeting her glance.
"I'll promise, child—I'll promise. Run away now—and God bless you!" He added the expressive native phrase in a suddenly lowered voice.
Clodagh bent quickly and kissed his hot, drawn face with passionate affection; then, as if fearing to trust herself, she turned hastily and passed out of the room.
Instantly the two men were alone, Asshlin turned to his guest.
"James," he said agitatedly, "I haven't thought much about the Almighty in these last years; but I give you my word, I have prayed that I might see you before I die."
"My dear Denis, don't! I beg you not to excite yourself. I implore you——"
Asshlin made a harsh sound of impatience.
"Don't waste breath over a dying man," he said roughly. Then, seeing the distress in the other's face, he altered his tone. "Don't take it to heart, James! It's the road we must all travel. They think there's life in me yet, but I know better. You may blindfold a sheep as much as you like, but 'twill know that you're dragging it to the slaughter. I tell you I'm done for—as done for as if the undertaker had measured me for the coffin."
He moved his head slightly and painfully, his feverish glance brightening.
"James," he exclaimed suddenly, "I'm in a terrible position! But 'tisn't death that's troubling me."