"I was suffering from blindness.
But I am better, Clark, better.

I can see now--a little." He controlled himself and spoke quietly.

"I want you to lend me your little girl for--" He broke off suddenly.

"How many children have you, Clark ?" he asked, gently.
"Eight," said the old clerk.

"But I haven't one I could spare, Mr.
Livingstone." "Only for a little while, Clark ?" urged the other; "only for a little while .-- Wait, and let me tell you what I want with her and why I want her, and you will--For a little while ?" he pleaded.
He started and told his story and Clark sat and listened, at first with a set face, then with a wondering face, and then with a face deeply moved, as Livingstone, under his warming sympathy, opened his heart to him as a dying man might to his last confessor.
"-- And now will you lend her to me, Clark, for just a little while to-night and to-morrow ?" he pleaded in conclusion.
Clark rose to his feet.