"For ready identification. There are sometimes several of these keys in my possession at once."
The minister nodded approvingly. "I suppose," he commented, "other people make use of you as a messenger to their boxes."
"Half a dozen of the women have that habit," the young man observed.
"Trusted!" exclaimed the minister impulsively, laying a cordial hand upon the young man's shoulder. "You have been greatly trusted. It is a rare privilege, isn't it?"
Rollie nodded thoughtfully.
"And these?" questioned Doctor Hampstead, motioning to where the diamond necklace curled, appearing to Rollie less like a serpent now and more like a strangler's knot.
"I'm afraid of them," said the young man with a shudder. "Couldn't—couldn't you take them back to her and tell the story?"
The clergyman shook his head solemnly.
"I cannot confess your sins for you," he averred. "If you are not man enough for that, we might as well stop before we begin."
Hampstead's tone was final.