ion, before mentioning the matter to him."

"Have you considered the opposition which, without inconsistency, he
cannot fail to offer? As prosecuting attorney for the Darringtons he
would be recreant to his client, if he consented to release on bail."

"His sympathy is deeply enlisted in her behalf, and I do not anticipate
opposition; nevertheless, it would not deter me from the attempt to
free her, at least temporarily from prison. As you have no connection
with the trial, I can see no impropriety in your telling Judge Parkman,
that the girl's health demands a change of air and scene, and that it
is my desire to furnish any bond he may deem suitable, and then bring
the prisoner under my own roof, until the day fixed for her trial. If
you are unwilling to speak to him, will you permit me to mention the
subject to him?"

"I fear enthusiasm is hurrying you into a proposal, the possibly grave
consequences of which you do not realize. You would run a great risk in
bringing here that unfortunate woman, over whose head has gathered so
black a cloud of suspicion. In becoming her gaoler, you assume a
fearful responsibility."

"I fully comprehend all the hazard, and with your permission, I shall
not shrink. I have a conviction, for which I can offer no adequate
grounds, that this girl is as innocent as I am; and if all the world
hissed and jeered, I should stretch out my hand to her. Do you
recollect Ortes' booty when Antwerp fell into Alva's hands? The keys of
the dungeons. I would rather swing wide the barred doors of yonder
human cage across the river, and lead that woman out under God's free
sky, than wear all of Alva's jewels, own his gold. Uncle, will you
speak, or shall I?"

"I must first talk with Churchill and Dunbar. Your effort might result
only in injury to the prisoner; because if she were brought into Court
on writ of Habeas Corpus, and refused bail, as I fear would be the
case, the failure would operate very unfavorably for her cause, on
public opinion, of which after all, in nineteen cases out of twenty,
the jury verdict is a reflection. Some new evidence has been presented
since the preliminary examination, and its character will determine the
question of bail. If I can see any chance of your success I will speak
to Parkman; for, indeed, my dear child, I honor your motive, and share
your hope; but unless I find more encouragement than I expect, I will
not complicate matters by a futile attempt, which would