Brewer looked up with dim and wondering eyes, while Ralph further explained, and then he burst into tears.
"I don't deserve it," he sobbed at length. "I did you a mean and cowardly trick, and I've loathed myself for it ever since."
"Oh, well, never mind that now. It is all over and past, and we'd better try and forget it."
"I shall never forget it," Jim said chokingly, "but if you can forgive me, I shall be—oh, so happy!"
"Oh, well, then, I do forgive you, if that is any comfort to you."
Jim hid his face in his hands and burst into fresh weeping.
"Forgive my giving way like this," he said at length. "I ain't quite as strong as I might be. I had influenza a month agone, and it's shook me a goodish bit."
"Why, bless me, you look hungry!" Ralph said, eyeing him closely.
"Do I? I'm very sorry, but the influenza pulls one down terrible."
"But are you hungry?" Ralph questioned.