“Don’t I? You believe in miracles. I’m human and I’d throttle him if he came while I was here—and came as he came once before!”

“Stop! in pity. If it does happen he’ll not be to blame; it will be because he can’t help it. You’re big and strong and he’ll need you as well as me. Wait.” 346

The man drew back a step, but his great jaw was set immovably.

“You can’t realize what you’re asking,” he said. “Remember my conviction is not your conviction. I still believe that two predominate over one and that nature’s law comes first. I’ll go because it is your decision and final; but I can’t change elemental things at command. Don’t ask it or expect it, because it is impossible.”

“It’s not impossible, though,” desperately. “Nothing is impossible with you.”

Roberts’ great head shook a negative.

“This is. I can’t discuss it longer. Good-bye, Elice.”

The girl’s brown eyes followed him as, decisively now, he prepared to leave, and in hopeless, abject misery. She spoke one word.

“Darley,” she said.

The listener halted, motionless as a figure in clay.