Page 200 - A Little Bush Maid

The Hermit’s hand was on her wrist like a vice. For a moment Norah
shivered in fear of what her words might have done.

"What do you mean? For God’s sake, tell me?"

She steadied her voice to answer him bravely.

"Please, you mustn’t get excited, dear Mr. Hermit," she said. "T’ll tell you.
Dad told me all about it before we found you. Tt’s all a terrible mistake.

Every one knows you were a good man. Everyone wants to be friends with
you. Only they thought you were dead."

"T managed that." His voice was sharp and eager. "T saw the other body in
the river and the rest was easy." He struggled for calmness and Norah held

a glass of water to his lips.

"Please don’t get excited!" she begged.

"T won’t," he smiled at her. "Tell me--does everyone know?"

"Everyone," Norah nodded. There was a step behind her and a sudden light
flashed into the Hermit’s eyes.

"Davy! Ts it true? T am cleared?"

"Years ago, old man." David Linton’s voice was husky. "All the world
wants to make it up to you."

"All the world--they’re only two!" the sick man said. "Do they know?"

"Yes."

"Where are they?"

For a moment Mr. Linton hesitated, not knowing what risk he might run.