1 66 THE BEAUTIFUL LADDER. 
are as I have given them, so there is a chance 
for Doctor Dean to make a second convert; 
which I devoutly hope he may do before I be¬ 
come hardened beyond all redemption.” 
“ Amen to that!” said Davidson, “and to the 
wish that we may both become wiser and better 
men.” 
With this interchange of views the young 
men separated for the night. 
At the appointed time the usual company 
was again assembled, when Davidson opened 
the interview by saying, 
“ We suppose. Doctor Dean, from some slight 
hints which have come to our ears, that you 
suspect our connection with some aid rendered 
to the suffering family across the lake, and that, 
therefore, it is useless to attempt further con¬ 
cealment. If this be so, we would like to talk 
to you about some other steps which we con¬ 
template taking in the same direction. And 
we do this as the most effectual way of keeping 
any similar transactions a profound secret from 
the recipients of our favors.” 
“True, Mr. Davidson,” was the doctor’s an¬ 
swer, “we had suspected that you were the 
