`` Not yet awhile , '' returned Dick . `` Y ' ` ave a word to tell me first . How came my father , Harry Shelton , by his death ? '' The man 's face altered instantly . `` I know not , '' he replied , doggedly . `` Nay , ye know well , '' returned Dick . `` Seek not to put me by . '' `` I tell you I know not , '' repeated Carter . `` Then , '' said Dick , `` ye shall die unshriven . Here am I , and here shall stay . There shall no priest come near you , rest assured . For of what avail is penitence , an ye have no mind to right those wrongs ye had a hand in ? and without penitence , confession is but mockery . '' `` Ye say what ye mean not , Master Dick , '' said Carter , composedly . `` It is ill threatening the dying , and becometh you -LRB- to speak truth -RRB- little . And for as little as it commends you , it shall serve you less . Stay , an ye please . Ye will condemn my soul -- ye shall learn nothing ! There is my last word to you . '' And the wounded man turned upon the other side .
Now , XXXXX , to say truth , had spoken hastily , and was ashamed of his threat .
Carter Dick Shelton first mind mockery penitence rest right wrongs