"Ah! Forster, I am sorry to see you. What has brought you here?"

"It is you," said the lawyer. "I was in hopes that my senses deceived
me."

"I hope you will keep the fact of having seen me here a profound
secret."

"But in the name of heaven, what does it mean?" cried Mr. Forster. "You
know you have not attempted to steal a watch. Pardon me, but how dare
you plead guilty? You will cover yourself with disgrace and infamy. You
will break your mother's heart. You will be utterly ruined for life."

"My dear Forster, no one knows of my being here, and no one need know
except yourself."

"You are mistaken; you have been recognized. I was sent for to identify
you."

Then the proud face did grow pale, but the proud light did not die out
of the gray eyes.

"I am sorry for it, but I cannot help it. I must 'dree my weird.'"

Mr. Forster stood looking at him like one stupefied.

"If the sun had fallen from the heavens," he said, "it would not have
surprised me more. Surely, surely you are going to trust me and tell me
what this means?"