Again there was a silence, and Drake lived each second of it. His eyes were fixed keenly on Gaunt’s face, and he could see nothing ignoble there. It was strong, but could human man carry out such a vow? He wanted to speak but dared not. Like a flash it was revealed to him what a great issue was at stake. Should this millionaire be honest enough to carry out his vow, untold good would result. But his hope fell instantly. Such a man as Gaunt—who had lived as he had lived, could not revolutionize his character by the mere making of a vow. To keep such a bargain was an impossibility—and—yet——
Yes. There was a steady look on Gaunt’s face. He did not flinch, but had the air of one who was weighted with a great burden.
“Why have you told me that?” Drake demanded hoarsely.
“I haven’t yet finished. I went further than I have said, for I vowed to right the wrongs that I have done. Just imagine what that means. It’s a Herculean task,” Gaunt said with a laugh that contained no mirth.
“Still I do not quite understand why you send for me,” Drake said quietly.
“Because I don’t know what to do, and I want your advice.”
“You intend to carry out the promise you made to God, not merely in the letter, but in the spirit?”
“I intend to keep my promise, and at the time, I made no reservations. I understood what I was saying and I consider my wife’s life worth any sacrifice,” Gaunt answered doggedly.
Drake did not speak but gave the millionaire a searching look. His brain was working at high pressure, for he realized that Gaunt was serious in his intention of performing his vow.
“I wonder if you have any conception of the magnitude of your undertaking?” he asked very quietly.