I know.”

“I also,” said I in a low voice, taking his outstretched hand, “for you shall live to make material amends as you have made them spiritually. Only the act of deep contrition lies between you and God’s swift pardon. It were a sin to doubt it.”

But he slowly shook his head, the faint smile lingering still. Then his grip closed suddenly on my hand, released it, and he swung on his heel.

“Attention!” he said crisply. “Sling packs! Fall in! Tr-r-rail arms! March!”