"I prayed God for guidance.

He answered, and I felt it my duty to come to you at once, with our two friends." Barney Bill cocked his head on one side.

"I did my best to persuade him not to, sonny." "But why shouldn't he ?" cried Paul courteously--though why he should puzzled him exceedingly.

"It's very good of you, Mr.Finn.

I'm sure your side," he went on, "could not have chosen a better man.