There was a strange silence. Then the Tramp gave a dry little laugh. “You ruined my life, Crale, eight years ago,” he said. “I doubt if you can make up for that now.”
The Squire started and reeled back against a tree.
“Graham?” he said. “You?” He peered at him through the moonlight. Then covered his face with his hands.
After a moment he looked up again. “The thought of you,” he said, “has haunted me all these years. But I had not the courage to do the only thing that could put things right—give myself up. You have had the courage to save my life and the grace to forgive me. Now, by God’s help, your every wrong shall be righted; justice shall be satisfied. What is the use of speaking of this here? Let us get these men back to the Hall. In the morning we will send for the police for their arrest—and mine.”
The Cubs were altogether mystified at what was passing. The leading back of Black Bill and Bingey, and their imprisonment at the Hall, filled them with delight. To-morrow morning Danny would be found.
Creeping up very softly the two Cubs made their way to the twin’s bedroom. David was soon in bed and Hugh curled up on the sofa. Before long they were asleep.
Meanwhile, in the Squire’s study a strange conversation was going on between Mr. Ogden and the Mysterious Tramp.
“Of course I could escape if I liked,” said Mr. Ogden, “and just leave everything. But I can’t do it now, I can’t do it! You’ve taught me honour and courage and showed me that a more noble spirit is worth while.”
“You must thank your Scout Danny for that,” said the Tramp. “I was waiting to reap my revenge. It was the thought of him made me do what I did.”
“Well,” said Ogden, “you’ve lost all, and suffered for seven years in prison. Justice can never be truly satisfied. But I will do my best to satisfy it. I shall give myself up and plead guilty. I shall suffer seven years in prison—more perhaps. And all this wealth that I made at your expense, sir, will be yours. You will be master of this house, this land, and of my income. As to my grandsons, I leave it to your mercy what you will do with them.”