"Then why—wot 'ave I done to deserve a child like this? There, Pickles! you know—and you ha' told Connie—it's all the truth. There come a day w'en I wanted money, an' I were met by sore temptation. I tuk the dimant locket w'en the pawnbroker 'ad 'is back turned on me; but as I were leavin' the shop—Sue bein' by my side—I suddenly saw him pokin' his finger into the place where it had been. I knew it were all up. I managed to slip the locket into Sue's pocket, and made off. I ha' been near mad since—near mad since!"
"Small wonder!" said Pickles. "An' do yer know that she 'ad made up her mind to go to prison 'stead o' you?"
"You told me so," said Harris—"at least you told me that she was goin' to prison instead o' the guilty party."
"Wull," said Pickles, "yer own 'eart told yer 'oo was the guilty party."
"That's true, youngster."
"Father," said Connie, "we can't find Sue anywhere, and Giles is dying, and we must get her, and you must help."
"Help?" said Harris. "Yes, I'll help. I won't leave a stone unturned. She wanted to save me, knowing the truth. Wull, I'll save and find her, knowin' the truth."
"I will come with you," said Connie. "I want to go wid yer; only wot am I to do with Giles?"
"Don't worrit 'bout him," said Pickles. "I'm 'ere to be o' sarvice to you, Miss Connie—and to you, sir, now as you 'ave come ter yer right mind."
"Then I will come with you, father," said Connie. "We'll both go together and find Sue."