re's more than a probability that
you can't prove your case. So why make an arrest that will drag in Miss
Sherwood?"

Barlow had a mind which functioned with amazing rapidity on matters
pertaining to his own interest. He realized on the instant how it might
count for him in the future if he were in a position to ask a favor of a
person of Miss Sherwood's standing; and he spoke without hesitation:

"I don't know anything about this Sherwood matter. If anyone ever asks
me, they'll not get a word."

There was swift relief on the faces of Barney and Old Jimmie; to be
instantly dispelled by Chief Barlow's next statement which followed his
last with only a pause for breath:

"The main thing we want is to stick these two crooks away." He turned on
Barney and Old Jimmie. "I've just learned you two fellows are the birds
I want for that Gregory stock business. I've got you for fair on that.
It'll hold you a hundred times tighter than any conspiracy charge.
Casey, Gavegan--hustle these two crooks out of here."

The next moment Casey and Gavegan had handcuffs on the prisoners and
were leading them out.

"Good for you, Larry," Casey whispered warmly as he went by with Barney.
"I knew you were going to win out, though it might be an extra-inning
game!"

At the door Barlow paused. "I hope I've done everything all right, Miss
Sherwood?"

"Yes--as far as I know, Mr. Barlow."

Again Barlow started out, and again turned. "And you, Brainard," he
said, rather grudgingly, "I guess you needn't worry any about that
charge against you. It'll be dropped."

And with that Barlow followed his men and his prisoners out of the room.

Then for a moment there was silence. As Larry saw and felt that moment,
it was a moment so large that words would only make a faltering failure
in trying to express it. He himself was suddenly free of all clouds
and all dangers. He had succeeded in what he had been trying to do with
Maggie. A father and a daughter were meeting, with each knowing their
relationship, for the first time. There was so much to be said, among
all of them, that could only be said as souls relaxed and got acquainted
with each other.

It was so strained, so stupendous a moment that it would quickly have
become awkward and anti-climacteric but for the tact of Miss Sherwood.

"Mr. Brainard," she began, in her smiling, direct manner, with a touch
of brisk commonplace in it which helped relieve the tension, "I want
to apologize to yo