the speaker rang through the forest, and came back in an echo from a
beetling cliff behind him.

Mostyn shuddered. The speaker's experiences had vividly brought to
mind many of his own questionable exploits in finance. He recalled his
narrow escape from bankruptcy when, by an adroit lie, he had secured
the backing of Mitchell and other money-lenders. Old Jefferson
Henderson's ashen face and accusing eyes were before him. He had
broken no law in that case, but only he and Henderson knew of the
false statements which had ensnared the credulous man's whole fortune.

The preacher's warning had come in time. Pate had intended it as a
check to a perilous pace. He would speculate no more. He would follow
Saunders's example and lead a rational life. He would live more
simply. He would--his heart sank into an ooze of delight--he would
marry the sweetest, most beautiful, and bravest girl in the world. He
would win Dolly's whole heart, and in the future devote himself solely
to her happiness. What more admirable course could a penitent man
pursue? He quickened his step. He was thrilled from head to foot. He
had reached the turning-point, and what a turning-point it was! In
fancy, he saw himself taking the pretty child-woman in his arms and
pledging his brain and brawn to her forever. It was really a most
noble thing to do, for it meant the uplifting, as far as lay in his
power, of her family. It would materially alter their sordid lives. He
could give employment to Dolly's brother; he might be the means of
educating and finding a suitable husband for Ann. Perhaps Saunders
might sell him his plantation; Tom Drake could manage it for him, and
the Colonial mansion would make a delightful summer home. Ah, things
were coming about as they should! Dolly, Dolly, beautiful, exquisite
Dolly was to be his wife, actually his wife!