He looked at Wildney, too, who stood trembling with a look of painful and miserable suspense, and occasionally added his wild word of entreaty, or uttered sobs more powerful still, that seemed to come from the depth of his heart.

He was shaken in his resolve, wavered for a moment, and then once more looked at the register.
"Yes," he said, after a long pause, "here is an entry which shall save you this time.

I find written here against your name, 'April 3.

Risked his life in the endeavor to save Edwin Russell at the Stack.' That one good and noble deed shall be the proof that you are capable of better things.

It may be weak perhaps--I know that it will be called weak--and I do not feel certain that I am doing right; but if I err it shall be on the side of mercy.