there. I'm sorry for all I've done. I know you'll be good to ma." A
pause. "Ma, it's hard to go and leave you, but Dad will take care of you
like he used to, when I was a kid. That'll make up." Another pause. "Pa,
ma, make the Act of Contrition with me." They knelt at his side, made
the sign of the cross, and he said, falteringly but clearly:

"O my God! I am heartily sorry for having offended
Thee, and I detest all my sins, because I dread
the loss of heaven and the pains of hell, but most
of all because they offend Thee, my God, who art
all-good and deserving of all my love. I firmly
resolve, with the help of Thy grace, to confess my
sins, to do penance, and to amend my life. Amen."

He fell back exhausted, from his slightly raised position.

In a little while he said, "Ma, I want Father Boone and Frank." The
mother knew that the priest was rushed day and night, and hesitated to
call him. Then she remembered that Father Boone had said, "If he returns
to consciousness, be sure and send for me."

While she was thinking how best to do so, Mr. Roberts entered the room.
He took in the situation at a glance. "Is there anything I can do for
you?" he asked. On learning of Bill's request, he said, "My machine is
here. I'll run up for Father Boone and the boy, and have them here in no
time," and off he went.

Mother and father held either hand of their darling. Not a word was
uttered. In about ten minutes, the door opened and Father Boone and
Frank appeared. Bill recognized the priest, and said with an effort, "I
am----so glad----to see----you----Father. I want to go to confession.
Then I'll go home." Mr. Roberts, who was not a Catholic, found tears
running down his cheeks. Mr. Daly was sobbing.

"I shall have to ask you all to leave the room for a few minutes," said
the priest, and as they filed out, he put on his sacred stole, and
blessed the boy. Then bending over him, he heard Bill's confession.

Bill told him everything. He wanted to go into details, but the priest,
to whom a single word meant volumes, quieted him and allowed him to say
only what was absolutely necessary. When his confession was made, the
priest took out a crucifix and pointing to it, said, "He came for us,
for us who offended Him. He is more glad to forgive you than you are to
receive forgiveness. Make your act of contrition, and I shall pronounce
God's absolution. Speak from you