第97章

"I do not know," replied Shock."It may be as well not to--not to see much--to see you."Shock became unexpectedly conscious of their previous relations.The memory of that scene in which they had been the chief actors came vividly, before him.For weeks he had dreaded this interview, and now it was almost over.He felt like a man who, in the hour of victory, is unexpectedly threatened with defeat.Well, sooner or later he must speak his mind plainly; there would never be a better chance than now, and though he wished he could get back that perfect self-mastery of the past few minutes, he resolved to go through with it now.He took hold of himself with a stern grip.

Helen saw it in his face.A great fear seized her; She started up.

"Oh, I must run!" she exclaimed."You will be sure to come and see us, Mr.Macgregor.Indeed, you must come."Her manner was light, almost frivolous.Shock felt the change instinctively, read her fear, and decided that the moment for speech had passed.

"Good-by," he said, looking steadily into her eyes."Good-by.God bless you for your kindness to--to us both."The little catch in his voice reached the girl's heart, and the tears sprang to her eyes.

"Good-by," she said hurriedly."Good-by," and was gone.

A little way down the street she met Brown.

"Well?"

"Well, it is all over.I am thankful, too.Yes, so thankful.""Well, I'll be--" Brown left his sentence unfinished and turned away from her impatiently.

He found Shock still sitting at the table, unspeakable misery showing in his eyes.

"Well, old chap," Brown said kindly, putting his hand upon his friend's shoulder.

"That is over, thank God!" said Shock."I was afraid of it, but it is over now.""It is, eh?" said Brown crossly."Well, let's go.You're two of a kind.Come on.You'll have to get at your speech now.""My speech?" said Shock, rising wearily."No speech for me.""I tell you what, Shock," said Brown, with a touch of impatience, "you think too much of yourself.""Do I, Brown? Well, perhaps so," said Shock, humbly.

"Oh, confound your old carcass!" cried Brown, throwing his arm round Shock's neck."You'll be my death yet.At the same time, you ought to speak, and I believe you will.If I know your conscience it won't let you rest."It turned out that Brown was right, for when the Superintendent wrote a note to Shock asking him formally on behalf of the Committee to address the Assembly on Home Mission night, the last sentence in his letter determined Shock to accept.

"I know what this will cost you," the Superintendent wrote, "but the cause is not yours nor mine.It is His.And for His sake I believe you will do this.""I knew you would, old chap," said Brown exultantly."If a fellow could get the combination of your conscience he could do what he liked with you.""Well, I suppose if they wish me to make an exhibition of myself Ishould not refuse, and after all, what matter how I speak? I will fail, I know, but I will do my best.""Never a fail," cried Brown."Don't preach at them.Tell them yarns.

That's what your chief does.Now you hear me."This proved to be good advice, for when the chairman introduced Shock as the Prospector from Loon Lake, Shock simply began, as Brown said, to "yarn.""That is what Perault and Ike called me," were his first words, and from that moment till the close of his speech he had his audience leaning forward and listening with ears and eyes and heart.He made no attempt at fine speaking, but simply told them of his friends in the West, of the men he had come to love as brothers, and who had come to love him.

As they came down the steps of the Park Church, where the meeting was held, Brown could hardly keep pace with Helen as she danced along beside him.

"Oh, wasn't he splendid!" she cried, "wasn't he splendid!""Splendid?" said Brown."There's not a word big enough left.""Oh, I am so happy," sang Helen.

"Why, what's the matter with you?" cried Brown.