“What can I do to repay him for all he has unjustly suffered? I can only give him all I have—this house, my wealth. You, my grandsons, I have entrusted to his care. He is your guardian. Obey him as if he was your father. And what is to happen to me? Many years of prison are due to me. I cannot look any man in the face until I have paid my debt to justice.
“To-day I go to London to await my trial. I shall go to prison. If I ever come out alive I shall have to depend on the charity of the man I have wronged. Good-bye, my children, good-bye. Remember what I have told you. If you ever sin against man and against God confess your sin and bear your punishment, or life will hold only bitterness for you, and death only fear. Pray for me sometimes, and be good sons to this man.”
Very stiffly, he gave each boy a kiss, shook hands with the Tramp and, turning, strode out of the room.
There was a whir and buzz, and Inspector Grey’s car moved away down the drive.
Luncheon was a rather silent meal. Mariette did most of the talking; and there was one fairly animated argument between her and Nipper, as to which end you should cut a cucumber.
“Look here, we really must cheer up,” said the Tramp, as they rose from the table and walked out into the hall. “Well, kiddies, what do you think of your new father?”
“We are jolly glad!” said Bill. “Shall we call you Father?”
“You sha’n’t call him Daddy,” said Mariette quickly.
“Yes, you can call me Father, if you like,” said the Tramp, laughing.
“And we’ve got a sister, now!” said David.