Flesh and blood I'll face anywhere and
anyhow; I'll stand up alone, and fight for my life, one against six--
one against twenty, if needs be; but when it comes to a visit from the
other world, Joseph Duncombe is done. He shuts up, sir, like an
oyster."
"And do you really believe the man you saw that night was a visitant
from the other world?"
"What else can I believe? I'd heard the description of old Screwton's
ghost, and what I saw answered to the description as close as could
be."
"Visitors from the other world do not leave substantial evidences of
their presence behind them," answered George. "The man who dropped that
gold coin was no ghost. We'll see into this business, Captain Duncombe;
we'll fathom it, mysterious as it is. I expect Joyce Harker back from
Ceylon in a month or so. He knows more of my brother's fate than any
man living, except those who were concerned in the doing of the deed.
He'll get to the bottom of this business, depend upon it, if any man
can. And now, friend--father, can you find it in your heart to forgive
me for the bitter wrong I have done you?"
"Well, George," answered Joseph Duncombe, gravely, "I'm not an
unforgiving chap; but there are some things try the easiest of men
rather hard, and this is one of them. However, for my little Rosy's
sake, and out of remembrance of the long night-watches you and I have
kept together out upon the lonesome sea, I forgive you.
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