Page "adventure" Paragraph 66

`` Come here ''.

The old man beckoned with one finger and Clayton went forward to him.

Gavin slipped his arms around his chest and hugged him fiercely.

`` All my life '', he said, `` I tried.

I tried.

I saw you driftin away -- but I tried.

And you wanted no part of me when I had so much to give.

Now there's nothin left of me.

Laurel is gone, my men are gone, Ed is dead -- and you come to me, to help me.

Oh!!

God in Heaven, I can't refuse you now.

That would mock me too much!!

Can't let you go way from me again '' He closed his eyes, ashamed of his tears.