at
down in silence, for I knew not what to say, and in silence for a time
we remained. The old woman sobbed, clutching more tightly her book, and
the old man looked at her sharply and then almost flung himself out of
the room. And a few moments later I heard him shouting: "Hike, there,
Sam! Hike, there, Bob! There's plenty of light; you've got three
lanterns. Hike, there! To a finish, to a finish!"

"Mrs. Jucklin, it is no time for despair," I said, and Guinea turned
from the window. "We have already secured a new trial, and the next time
it will surely go in our favor. That is the history of nearly all such
cases. Be strong just a little while longer. You have been our prop, and
now you must not let us fall."

She arose and with an old-time courtesy bowed to me, and Guinea came
forward and held out her hand, and she must have seen a sudden light
leap into my eyes, for she said: "I am Alf's sister and yours, too."

This came as a repulse to my heart's eager yearning; no sister's
confidences could answer the call that my nature was shouting to her.
But I gulped down a rising soreness of the heart and I said: "I thank
you."

The old man, with heavy tread, strode into the room. "It was to a
finish," he whispered. His hands were covered with blood. "It was to a
finish, and they are both dead."

There was a sharp rap at the door. Guinea opened it and in came the old
General. "Mr. Jucklin, can I speak to you in private?" he asked, bowing
to the women.

"No. What you've got to say, out with it here."

"I would rather say it in private. Why, what's the matter with your
hands?"

"It was to a finish, sir, and let what you say be to a finish, even if
it is three times as bloody."

"Oh, I have come out of no hard feelings, sir. Ladies, would you and our
friend, Mr. Hawes, mind retiring?"

"They are goin' to stay here, sir," the old man replied, rolling up his
sleeves.

"All right, just as you will, sir. Mr. Jucklin, years ago we entered
into an arrangement----"

"And I have cursed myself ever since!" the old man exclaimed.

"Just wait until I get through, if you please. We entered into an
arrangement, prompted by a boy's fancy and warmed by a father's over
indulgence. I know that this is a sore time to come to you, and I don't
want to appear unkind, for my aim is tender, though my determination is
just. Young hearts may whisper to each other, and that whispering may be
music, sir; but in this life there are duties