Dick was soon at the bedside. He saw only the bandaged head. The face
was scarcely disfigured, but there was a look upon it that could not be
misunderstood.

A faint smile played over his pale features, as he recognised his
visitor. Dick could not speak, but sank on his knees by the bedside and
sobbed as only a strong man can sob.

"Jack," he sed at last, "can ta forgie me, lad? Aw did it. But aw wor
mad! The devil had me in his clutches. Awm willin to suffer for it, but
do forgie me. Forgie me for old times sake."

"Aw knew tha did it, but aw forgie thi freely, for tha didn't know it
wod end like this. Aw wor to blame for net dooin mi wark when aw should
ha done. Dunnot blame Susy. Shoo's worthy on thi. Shoo tell'd me 'at all
her heart wor thine, an aw did all aw could to mak thi jaylus. An shoo
wor praad, an when tha seemed to slight her it cut her up, but pride
wodn't let her tell thi what aw've tell'd thi nah. It's hard to leeav
th' world when young, but its mi own fault. Forgie me, Dick, an let me
dee, an may thee an Susy be happy."

"That can nivver be, Jack. Thear's noa mooar happiness for me."

There was no response. The eyelids drooped,--the jaw fell. The nurse who
had stood at a distance, drew near and spread a white napkin over his
face.

"He's gone. 'Tis better so."