true?' And then he actually squeezed my hand in his
joy."

Dan had clutched at Dalton's knee, as if to steady himself, and sat
strained forward, his whole being concentrated in the act of listening.
At length he slowly turned his head, and gazed steadily into the other's
eyes. A star, just above the little opening where they sat, lighted them
with its shining. Each could see to read the truth in the other's face.

"You are speaking as before God, George Dalton?"

"As before God, Daniel Price."

"Then may He bless you forever!"

Their hands clasped warmly and, after a little while, during which
neither had spoken, Dan stood up.

"I want to go home and think about it," he said.

"And, first, I'm going to a place I have near here, to get some things.
It's a place I won't need any more. I'm going to put the whole thing
back of me, and live like Will did. Don't you think that will please him
best?"

"I know it will, Dan."

"And Mr. Dalton, it ain't any of my business, but us folks can't help
noticing how things are going with our bosses--specially when we're fond
of them. I hope it's true about you and Miss Lavillotte, for I believe
you're just made for each other--you don't mind my speaking out?"

"No, Dan; it's all been speaking out to-night. Just between ourselves
and the Heaven up there. And, in that way, I'll say, I'm afraid, my boy,
I'm afraid! She's away beyond me."

"She's a beauty, and like a queen, but she isn't too good for you, sir."

"Thank you, Dan, but you don't know all."

Dalton had risen now, and they stood facing each other. Something in his
voice made Dan look at him keenly.

"Rachel has suspected something, and she's whispered it to me, sir.
We've been wondering if there _is_ a 'young Early,' and if there
isn't--" He stopped, and Dalton's hand pressed his arm.

"Dan, I can trust you and Rachel?"

"To the death, sir!"

"Then, you understand. She is the one. She owns it all. You see, now,
why I cannot aspire to her."

"No, sir, I don't! I see why you're just the man to help her in doing a
great, good work, and making of us all the loyalest workmen that ever
lived. Don't you never give her up, sir, never!"

"Not if there are older claimants on the field?"

"But are there?"

"One has come--a spruce young naval officer--no, I'll be fair;--a fine,
handsome, well-bred fellow, every inch a man in appearance. And she
corresponds with him."

"But what could he do in her life, sir? He'd