They are most
helpless, most valuable. See that Sister Agnes is mercifully cared for!
If young Andrew Zane returns, deal gently with him too. Let us be kind
to the dear boys, though they go astray. The dear, dear boys!"
Duff Salter received the brave little man's head again upon his breast,
and said to himself:
"May God speedily take him away in mercy!"
The doctor, returning with Knox Van de Lear, commanded the minister to
be instantly removed to a chamber, and Duff Salter, unassisted, walked
up-stairs with him like a father carrying his infant to bed. As they
placed the wasted figure away beneath the coverlets, he put his arm
around Duff Salter's neck.
"Brother," he said hoarsely, the chill having him in its grasp, "God has
blessed you. Can you help my new church?"
"I promise you," said Duff Salter, "that after your people have done
their best I will give the remainder. It shall be built!"
"Now, God be praised!" whispered the dying pastor. "And let Thy servant
depart in peace."
"Amen!" from somewhere, trembled through the chamber as Duff Salter, his
feet muffled like his voice, in the habit of mute people who walk as
they hear, passed down the stairway.
Duff Salter took his seat in the dining-room, which was an extension of
Knox Van de Lear's plain parlor, and buried his face in his palms.
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