mercy I could
show was to tell them in all frankness the whole miserable story of
crime and neglect; and then point out to them the only remaining means
of escape from the consequence of others' sins.

These thoughts, definite and compelling, flashed through my mind as I
stood there in the darkness, vainly seeking to distinguish the distant
outlines of the great house, from one window alone of which the glow of
light streamed. In that moment of decision the conviction came to me
that I had best do this alone; that the presence of the negro would
hinder, rather than help the solution of the problem. I must appeal
directly to the intelligence, the courage, of those so deeply involved,
and trust my own personality to win their confidence. In this the
negro would be useless.

"Pete," I said, measuring my words, my plan of action shaping itself
even as I spoke. "What lies in there between us and the house?"

"A truck patch mostly, wid a fence 'round it. Den thar comes som'
flower beds."

"No path?"

"Well, I done reckon as how thar might be a sorter path, sah, but you'd
hardly find it in de dark. De bes' way'd be ter sorter feel 'long de
fence, 'til yer git sight o' de front porch."

"All right, then. I am going to leave you here while I scout around.
Keep your eyes open, and have the mule ready to leave at any minute."

"'Bout how lon' yer be gone, sah?"

"I cannot tell you that. As short a time as possible. It may require
considerable explanation and urging to get those three women to trust
me. However, all you have to do is wait, and be sure that no one sees
you. If you should be needed for anything at the house, I'll get word
to you some way; and if I should send Delia and Rene out here alone,
without being able to come with them myself, load them into the cart at
once, and drive to the boat. I'll manage to join you somewhere, and
the important thing is to get them safely away. You understand all
this?"

"Yas, sah; leastways I reckon I does. I'se ter take keer ob dem all,
an' let yer take keer o' yerself."

"Exactly, because, you see, I haven't the slightest idea what I am
going to run up against. There may be others in the house, and I might
not dare to leave Miss Eloise behind alone without some protection. In
a way she is in almost as much danger as the others if she falls into
Kirby's hands. I shall endeavor to induce her to go to Haines at once."

Following some impulse I shook hands