Ralph heard by accident one day of the straits to which Brewer had been driven, and his resentment was changed as if by magic into pity. It was easy to blame, easy to fling the word "coward" into the teeth of a weaker brother; but if he had been placed in Jim Brewer's circumstances, would he have acted a nobler part? It was Brewer's care for his mother and the children that led him to hide the truth. Moreover, if he had been wholly a coward, he would never have confessed at all.
Ralph told Ruth what he intended to do, and her eyes filled in a moment.
"Oh, Ralph," she said, "it is the very thing of all others I should like you to do."
"For every reason that is great and noble and worthy."
"And he has paid the penalty, Ralph. Your duty now is to be magnanimous. Besides----" Then she hesitated.
"I have heard you rail at what you call the justice of the strong. You are strong now, you will be stronger in time, and so you must see to it that you don't fall into the same snare."
"Wise little woman," he said affectionately, and then the subject dropped.
It was dark when Jim Brewer paid his visit. He came dejectedly and shamefacedly, much wondering what was in the wind.
Ralph opened the door for him, and took him into his little office.
"I understand you are out of work?" he said, pointing him to a seat.
"Well, I can give you a job if you are prepared to take it, and you can begin work to-morrow if you like."
Brewer looked up with dim and wondering eyes, while Ralph further explained, and then he burst into tears.
"I don't deserve it," he sobbed at length. "I did you a mean and cowardly trick, and I've loathed myself for it ever since."
"Oh, well, never mind that now. It is all over and past, and we'd better try and forget it."
"I shall never forget it," Jim said chokingly, "but if you can forgive me, I shall be--oh, so happy!"
"Oh, well, then, I do forgive you, if that is any comfort to you."
Jim hid his face in his hands and burst into fresh weeping.
"Forgive my giving way like this," he said at length. "I ain't quite as strong as I might be. I had influenza a month agone, and it's shook me a goodish bit."
"Why, bless me, you look hungry!" Ralph said, eyeing him closely.
"Do I? I'm very sorry, but the influenza pulls one down terrible."