"Do you say your father was cured that way,child?"asked Mrs.Forbes.
"Yes.Oh yes!and he's so happy!"
"Zeke,let's all be thankful if there's anything,"said the woman tremulously,turning to him appealingly.
"I'd just as soon have a visit from you every day,little kid,"said the young fellow."You're a corker.""But you must want more than me,"returned the child."God and healing and purity and goodness!If you're in earnest,what are you going to do with that?"She touched the black bottle with the toe of her shoe.
Zeke looked at the whiskey,then back into her eyes.They were full of love and faith for him.
He stooped and picked up the bottle,then striding to a window,he flung it out toward the forest trees with all the force of his strong arm.
"Damn the stuff!"he said.
Mrs.Forbes felt herself tremble from head to foot.She bit her lip.
Her son turned back."Getting near train time,"he added,not looking at his companions."Guess I'll go upstairs."When he had disappeared his mother stooped slowly and kissed Jewel.
"Forgive me,"she said tremulously.
"What for?"asked the child.
"Everything."
The housekeeper still stood in the harness room after Jewel had gone away.She bowed her head on her folded hands."Our Father who art in heaven,forgive me,"she prayed."Forgive me for being a fool.Forgive me for not recognizing Thine angel whom Thou hast sent.Amen."