By this time Daly was quite himself. He had never had such a talking to. The words went right into his soul. He knew about punishment for a man if he breaks the law of the country. And it surely was true that God's law is more serious. That hit him hard. The priest saw that the man was wavering, and he continued:
"Now, Michael, I'll tell you what we will do. But first I shall ask you an honest question, man to man. Do you want to get away from the vile stuff?"
"I do," fairly roared Daly.
"Good," said the priest, "that's half the battle. Now, I want you to know that I am the best friend you've got on earth outside your own family. I shall ask you to do nothing but what is for your own good. Will you trust me?"
"I will, so help me God!" he shouted.
"And it is God who is going to help you," said the priest. "You are going to be a man again, Mike Daly. I guarantee that. Do . . . you . . . understand . . . that?" said the priest slowly and firmly.
"I do," answered the now aroused and interested man.
"Then listen: You are just a 'bum' now—a low down, bar-room 'bum.' Nobody wants you around. You can't get a job anywhere. I am going to get you a good job. You won't go back on the priest if he gives his word for you?"
"So help me! No," cried Mike.
"Now, another thing," said the priest. "When you went to church every Sunday, and received Holy Communion once a month, you were a good God-fearing man. That's where we begin. You make a friend of God first of all. It's hard enough to go through life right with God and with His help, but it is impossible without it. It's years since you have been to church, and the Sacraments, and you know these have been the most unhappy years of your life."