“‘John Ford.’

“‘What do you want?’ It was old Pearse.

“‘To see Zachary Pearse.’

“The long window out of the porch where we sat the other day was open, and in we went.  There was a door at the end of the room, and a light coming through.  John Ford went towards it; I stayed out in the dark.

“‘Who’s that with you?’

“‘Mr. Treffry.’

“‘Let him come in!’ I went in.  The old fellow was in bed, quite still on his pillows, a candle by his side; to look at him you’d think nothing of him but his eyes were alive.  It was queer being there with those two old men!”

Dan paused, seemed to listen, then went on doggedly.

“‘Sit down, gentleman,’ said old Pearse.  ’What may you want to see my son for?’ John Ford begged his pardon, he had something to say, he said, that wouldn’t wait.

“They were very polite to one another,” muttered Dan ....

“‘Will you leave your message with me?’ said Pearse.

“‘What I have to say to your son is private.’

“‘I’m his father.’

“‘I’m my girl’s grandfather; and her only stand-by.’

“‘Ah!’ muttered old Pearse, ‘Rick Voisey’s daughter?’

“‘I mean to see your son.’

“Old Pearse smiled.  Queer smile he’s got, sort of sneering sweet.

“‘You can never tell where Zack may be,’ he said.  ’You think I want to shield him.  You’re wrong; Zack can take care of himself.’

“‘Your son’s here!’ said John Ford.  ‘I know.’  Old Pearse gave us a very queer look.

“‘You come into my house like thieves in the night,’ he said, ’and give me the lie, do you?’

“’Your son came to my child’s room like a thief in the night; it’s for that I want to see him,’ and then,” said Dan, “there was a long silence.  At last Pearse said: 

“‘I don’t understand; has he played the blackguard?’

“John Ford answered, ‘He’s married her, or, before God, I’d kill him.’

“Old Pearse seemed to think this over, never moving on his pillows.  ’You don’t know Zack,’ he said; ’I’m sorry for you, and I’m sorry for Rick Voisey’s daughter; but you don’t know Zack.’

“‘Sorry!’ groaned out John Ford; ’he’s stolen my child, and I’ll punish him.’

“‘Punish!’ cried old Pearse, ’we don’t take punishment, not in my family.’

“’Captain Jan Pearse, as sure as I stand here, you and your breed will get your punishment of God.’  Old Pearse smiled.

“’Mr. John Ford, that’s as may be; but sure as I lie here we won’t take it of you.  You can’t punish unless you make to feel, and that you can’t du.’”

And that is truth!

Dan went on again: 

“‘You won’t tell me where your son is!’ but old Pearse never blinked.

“‘I won’t,’ he said, ’and now you may get out.  I lie here an old man alone, with no use to my legs, night on night, an’ the house open; any rapscallion could get in; d’ ye think I’m afraid of you?’