Now he is here, in deathless
devotion, fighting to save you. You may confess to him. If he will
forgive you, God and the Church will ratify it, and set the seal on
your brow. If not, you die unshriven! I will call Dannie Macnoun."
One gurgling howl broke from the swollen lips of Jimmy.
As Dannie entered the room, the priest spoke a few words to him,
stepped out and closed the door. Dannie hurried to Jimmy's side.
"He said ye wanted to tell me something," said Dannie. "What is
it? Do you want me to do anything for you?"
Suddenly Jimmy struggled to a sitting posture. His popping eyes almost
burst from their sockets as he clutched Dannie with both hands. The
perspiration poured in little streams down his dreadful face.
"Mary," the next word was lost in a strangled gasp. Then came
"yours" and then a queer rattle. Something seemed to give way.
"The Divils!" he shrieked. "The Divils have got me!"
Snap! his heart failed, and Jimmy Malone went out to face his
record, unforgiven by man, and unshriven by priest.
Chapter X
DANNIE'S RENUNCIATION
SO they stretched Jimmy's length on Five Mile Hill beside the three
babies that had lacked the "vital spark." Mary went to the Dolans
for the winter and Dannie was left, sole occupant of Rainbow
Bottom. Because so much fruit and food that would freeze were
stored there, he was even asked to live in Jimmy's cabin.
Dannie began the winter stolidly.
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