"I suppose you knew my father well ?" "I knew him in a way," Thirlwell answered cautiously, because he did not want to talk about Strange's habits.

Perhaps the girl knew her father's weakness, and if not, it was better that she should think well of him.
Yet Thirlwell imagined she understood something of his reserve.
"Ah!" she said, "you knew him in the bush, but not when he lived at home with us.

I should like to tell you his story." "Not if it is painful." "It is painful, but I would sooner you heard it," she replied.

"For one thing, you have been kind--" She paused, and when she resumed there was a faint sparkle in her eyes.

"I want you to understand my father.