THE STEADFAST HEART
nobody would know his story—not even his instructors?”
“It might be the saving of him—but Dave and I can’t afford it. I wish we could.”
“If you and Wilkins think it best—if Wilkins is willing to let him go—I’ll undertake the expense. Talk it over and let me know.”
It was a matter to ponder over and Wilkins discussed it with Browning until little of the night remained.
“It’ll be—queer—without the kid,” Wilkins said, moving his feet uneasily. “He’s been a darned interesting experiment…. But it’s the thing to do. To-morrow we’ll thrash it out with him. Don’t believe he’ll cotton to it.”
“It will be separating him from his god,” said Craig. “But he’ll go. If you ask him he’ll go if it breaks his heart—to please you…. By the way, you know you’ve no legal right to his custody.”
“I’ll adopt him.”
“You’ll do nothing of the sort. He’s got a father at large who may kick up a fuss some day. You’ll be appointed his guardian. I’ll fix up the papers to-morrow.”
When Browning was gone Dave took off his shoes and tiptoed to Angus’s door. He opened it and stood looking at the boy, dimly revealed to him by the moonlight—stood for a long time.
96
