brought the knowledge of this trouble to the little
store on the side street. Let him solve the problem as best he might.

Then Janice gave the civil engineer a swift glance, and her heart
failed her. She could not leave that unhappy looking specimen of
helplessness to his own devices.

Frank's pompadour was ruffled, his eyes were staring, and his whole
countenance was a troubled mask. In that moment Janice Day realized
for the first time the main duty of the female in this world. That is,
she is here to pull the incompetent male out of his difficulties!

She thought of Nelson, thoughtful and sensible as he was, actually
appalled by his situation in the community. And here was Frank Bowman,
a very efficient engineer, unable to engineer this small matter of
getting Hopewell Drugg home from the dance, without her assistance.

"Oh, dear me! what would the world be without us women?" thought
Janice--and gave up all idea of running away and leaving Frank to
bungle the situation.

The two went out of the store together and closed the door softly
behind them. Janice could not help glancing across at the lighted
front windows of Mrs. Beaseley's cottage.

"There's trouble over yonder," said young Bowman gently. "I went in to
see him after supper. He said you'd been there to help him buck up,
Janice. Really, you're a wonderful girl."

"I'm sorry," sighed Janice.

"What?" cried Frank.

"Yes. I am sorry if I am wonderful. If I were not considered so, then
not so many unpleasant duties would fall my way."

Frank laughed at that. "I guess you're right," he said. "Those that
seem to be able to bear the burdens of life certainly have them to
bear. But poor Nelson needs somebody to hold up his hands, as it were.
He's up against it for fair, Janice."

"Oh! I can't believe that the committee will continue this
persecution, when they come to think it over," the girl cried.

"It doesn't matter whether they do or not, I fear," Bowman said, with
conviction. "The harm is done. He's been accused."

"Oh, dear me! I know it," groaned Janice.

"And unless he is proved innocent, Nelson Haley is bound to have
trouble here in Polktown."

"Do you believe so, Frank?"

"I hate to say it. But we--his friends--might as well face the fact
first as last," said the civil engineer, sheltering Janice beneath the
umbrella he carried. It was misting heavily and she was glad of this
shelter.

"Oh, I hope they will find t