92 DOGGED JACK.

hand away as if he feared that its loving pressure
would unnerve him.
 "My mother died when I was an infant, but I did
not lose my father until the age of twelve. We
lived together alone during my childhood and boy-
hood; but, Jack, although we really loved each other,
we never got on happily together."
 "Something like father and me," said Jack eagerly,
roused to deepest interest now.
 Very like; but, Jack, in my case, it was entirely
my own fault; remember that, my boy."
 "Jack blushed and looked down, then he said hesi-
tatingly-
 "Would you mind, since you think it was some-
thing like father and me, telling me the way in which
the fault was yours? I'm sure you were always better
than I am, Mr. Lane, but I often wish and long to
know how I could overcome whatever makes father
keep cold to me."
 "Well, Jack, as I said before, I do think the cases
were very similar. fy great faults were pride and
reserve, and I think, dear lad, they are yours too."
 "Mine!" cried Jack, in the greatest surprise and
astonishment, "I don't know how you mean! how
am I proud with father? "
 "When you have displeased him, you should-it
is your bounden duty as a son-beg him to forgive