THE STEADFAST HEART
Titus uttered an oath. “Quick!” he panted.
And so, on the lip of death, Titus Burke told his story, told the truth—and substantiated his words. Hidden away, carried with him for years with that curious persistence people exhibit in clinging to certain objects, certain reminders, was an old leathern wallet—and in the wallet were documents, marriage license, certificate, the birth certificate of Angus Burke…. There was a picture of Titus and Kate Woodhouse taken in the first flush of their elopement…. By confession and by documents Titus Burke established beyond peradventure that Angus Burke was the legitimate son of Kate Woodhouse, the grandson of Henry G.!…
Titus Burke died before daylight. He did not die at peace, with Christian fortitude. True, he had made his confession, had dickered with God, but in no spirit of abnegation, with no humbling of heart or prostration of soul…. What he had done had been by way of a bribe to the Almighty….
The news was communicated first to Henry G. Woodhouse. Craig and Dave laid before him the facts and proofs…. What shock of joy, what rebirth of faith and confidence in the excellence of his Creator came to Henry G. no man may say—for he retired to his room, there to
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