If only Eweretta would let him confess his crime, and give her her own identity, then he felt sure Philip would claim her. He had that very morning had a painful interview with the girl on this subject. But she obstinately refused to give him permission to speak.
Alvin resolved to go to Father Donelli, tell him the whole story, and beg him to use his influence with Eweretta. She liked the old priest; moreover, he could, if he would, use compulsion.
Things could not go on as the were. The “Thirteenth Man” had, he felt, sold his soul to rid himself of his ill-luck. Surely Eweretta, as a good Catholic, would not wish him to remain with such a sin on his conscience if Father Donelli made her see it in its true light?
Very little conversation took place between the two men after this. Each was full of his own thoughts.
A diversion occurred as they came to Blacklands.
A big crowd was gathered at the corner by the church. In the centre of the crowd was a policeman holding by the arm a bedraggled and dripping woman, who was sobbing angrily, while the crowd jeered.
Alvin inquired of a man what was the matter.
“Old Tom Jones has ducked a woman in the sea for slandering his wife,” said the man, “and the bobby is seeing her home. Serve her right, the old cat! she’s always spreading scandals about people!”
“I know that woman by sight,” Philip remarked to Alvin. “I have seen her at Pickett’s farm; but not just lately.”
“It must be that Mrs. Hannington,” said Alvin. “Aimée went for her at the farm because she was scandalizing someone. The Picketts have thrown her over.”