You helped to save my life at the Devil's Slide. That is
balanced. You did me--the honour to say that you loved me once. Well, one
of my race loved you. That is balanced also. My sister's death came
through you. There is no balance to that. What shall balance Alo's death?
. . . I leave you to think that over. It is worth thinking about. I shall
keep your secret, too. Kilby does not know you. I doubt that he ever saw
you, though, as I said, he followed you with the natives that night in
Apia. He was to come to see me to-day. I think I intended to tell him
all, and shift--the duty--of punishment on his shoulders, which I do not
doubt he would fulfil. But he shall not know. Do not ask why. I have
changed my mind, that is all. But still the account remains a long one.
You will have your lifetime to reckon with it, free from any interference
on my part; for, if I can help it, we shall never meet again in this
world--never. . . . And now, good-bye."
Without a gesture of farewell she turned and left him standing there, in
misery and bitterness, but in a thankfulness too, more for Ruth's sake
than his own.
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