The man looked up with a curt response.
"I was just strolling about, viewing things," continued Gilbert. "You are night watchman here now, I believe?"
"Yes."
"I hope you are feeling better?"
The man looked up into the speaker's face, and seemed to recognize him. "You are the doctor?" he said, half inquiringly.
"Yes. I came to Elmbrook lately, like yourself. My name is Allen—Gilbert Allen."
"Allen!" repeated the dark man. He arose, and gave the other a searching look. "Are you the Gilbert Allen who saved the life of a man once in Nelson Mills?"
"Yes," answered Gilbert, surprised; "that is, I helped to, somewhat. Do you know——"
The man interrupted with a harsh laugh, such as had startled the minister. It was as unmirthful as a cry of pain. "Yes, I know more than you think. I know you, Gilbert Allen!" His voice was harsh with scorn. "Many, many a time I've heard your name—spoken with the highest praise—oh, the very highest. But you are like all the rest of the world. You would let your best friend starve. Selfishness and dishonesty!" he cried, clenching his hands, "selfishness and dishonesty! Those are the commonest things in this world—the only things!"
He picked up his lantern, and turning his back on his astonished visitor, disappeared into the dark recess of the engine-room.