I lost my hold on myself then and--" He sprang to his feet and began striding across the room, his eyes blazing, one clinched fist upraised: "By God! Father Cruse, I know something of Dalton's earlier life and of what he is capable.

And I tell you right here, that if he has brought my wife to that, I shall kill him the moment I set my eyes on him.

To take a child of a woman, foolish and vain as she was--stupid if you will--and--" he halted, covered his face in his hands, and broke into sobs.
During the long recital Father Cruse had neither spoken nor moved.

He was accustomed to such outbursts, but it had been many years since he had seen so strong a man weep as bitterly.

Better let the storm pass--he would master himself the sooner.
A full minute elapsed, and then, with a groan that seemed to come from the depths of his being, O'Day lifted his head, brushed the hot tears from his eyes, and continued: "You must forgive me, for I am utterly broken up.