By return of post came a reply from Susan Merton, full of pity for Robinson and affectionate zeal to co-operate in any way with her friend.  Inclosed was a letter addressed to George Fielding, the envelope not closed.  Mr. Eden slipped in a banknote and a very small envelope and closed it, placed it in a larger envelope, sealed that and copied the first address on its cover.

He now gave Robinson more of his time than ever and seemed to cling to him with almost a motherly apprehension.  Robinson noticed it and felt it very, very much, and his joy at getting out of prison oozed away more and more as the day drew near.

That day came at last.  Robinson was taken by Evans to the chaplain’s room to bid him farewell.  He found him walking about the room in deep thought.  “Robinson, when you are thousands of miles from me bear this in mind, that if you fall again you will break my heart.”

“I know it, sir; I know it; for you would say, ’If I could not save him who can I hope to?’”

“You would not like to break my heart—­to discourage your friend and brother in the good work, the difficult work?”

“I would rather die; if it is to be so I pray Heaven to strike me dead in this room while I am fit to die!”

“Don’t say that; live to repair your crimes and to make me prouder of you than a mother of her first-born.”  He paused and walked the room in silence.  Presently he stopped in front of Robinson.  “You have often said you owed me something.”

“My life and my soul’s salvation,” was the instant reply.

“I ask a return; square the account with me.”

“That I can never do.”

“You can!  I will take two favors in return for all you say I have done for you.  No idle words—­but yes or no upon your honor.  Will you grant them or won’t you?”

“I will, upon my honor.”

“One is that you will pray very often, not only morning and evening, but at sunset, at that dangerous hour to you when evil association begins; at that hour honest men retire out of sight and rogues come abroad like vermin and wild beasts; but most of all at any hour of the day or night a temptation comes near you, at that moment pray!  Don’t wait to see how strong the temptation is, and whether you can’t conquer it without help from above.  At the sight of an enemy put on heavenly armor—­pray!  No need to kneel or to go apart.  Two words secretly cast heavenward, ‘Lord, help me,’ are prayer.  Will you so pray?”

“Yes!”

“Then give me your hand; here is a plain gold ring to recall this sacred promise; put it on, wear it, and look at it, and never lose it or forget your promise.”

“Them that take it must cut my hand off with it.”

“Enough, it is a promise.  My second request is that the moment you are free you will go and stay with an honest man.”

“I ask no better, sir, if he will have me.”

“George Fielding; he has a farm near Bathurst.”