whole being, that refused to permit of any escape — a
will whose strength lay in unquenchable mercy.
And neither of them marked the passing of time; it
might have been hours, it might have been moments
that they strove together this parent and child, eye
to eye, mind to mind in absolute silence. Then
Christophe sighed as though physically tired.

'Zou, I accept your offer;' Jouse muttered.

And thus it was that the renegade Kahn came back
to the work he had long deserted; to the quiet, simple
and honest work of those who gain their living through
timber. Very gravely they consulted for over an
hour, deciding that Kahn should see what he could
do, assisted therein by Christophe and Anfos, and
that meanwhile he should be given his food —this
until the profits had arrived at dimensions sufficient
for him to share them. And as they talked there came
upon Jouse the peace which is only found in forgiving,
and that curious wish to protect and befriend the
creature whom one has at last forgiven, the creature
who because he has much received and is therefore
a debtor, confers a blessing.

Before Kahn left they told Marie his plans and his
hopes, and she seeing her husband's face was greatly
amazed, for Jouse smiled as though he were very weU
pleased and contented. And since his contentment
had always been hers Marie held out her hand to
Anatole Kahn:

'Monsieur, you are very welcome/ she said.

'Madame, I am at your service/ he answered.

383