In doing so, the clank of his chains echoed harshly through the cell.

This seemed to change the current of his thoughts; for he again covered his face with both hands, and began to mutter to himself.
"Aye," said he, "it has come at last.

How often I have dreamed of this when I was free and roaming over the wide ocean! I would say that I have been a fool did I not feel that I have more cause to bow my head and confess that I am a sinner.

Ah, what a thing pride is! How little do men know what it has cost me to humble myself before them as I have done! yet I feel no shame in confessing it here, where I am all alone.
Alone ?--_am_ I alone ?" For a long time Gascoyne sat in deep silence, as if he were following out the train of thought which had been suggested by the last words.
Presently his ideas again found vent in muttered speech.
"In my pride I have said that there is no God.

I don't think I ever believed that; but I tried to believe it, for I knew that my deeds were evil.