ildren were evidently giving very earnest heed to their father's
words.

"Papa," said Grace, sighing and hiding her blushing face on his
shoulder, "you know I did once say what was not true; but I'm very, very
sorry. I've asked God many times to forgive me for Jesus' sake and I
believe he has."

"No doubt of it, my darling," returned her father; "for, 'if we confess
our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse
us from all unrighteousness.'"

"I don't believe Lu ever did," said Grace. "She's a great deal better
girl than I am."

"No, it is not that I am better than you," was Lulu's emphatic dissent
from that. "It's only that I am not timid like you; if I had been, it's
very likely I'd have told many an untruth to hide my faults and keep
from being punished."

"The telephone bell is ringing, papa," announced Max, looking in at the
door.

The call was from Ion; a vague report of last night's doings at Woodburn
having just reached the family there, they were anxious to learn the
exact truth.

The captain gave the facts briefly and suggested that some of the Ion
friends drive over and hear them in detail.

It was replied that several of them would do so shortly; Grandma Elsie
among them, and that she would spend the day, keeping Violet company
during her husband's absence at Union, if, as she supposed, Vi's
preference should be for remaining at home.

"Of course it will," said Violet, who was standing near. "Please tell
mamma I'll be delighted to have her company."

The captain delivered the message, then all hurried down to breakfast.

"Everything is in usual order, I see," Violet remarked, glancing about
the hall, and in at the library door as they passed it; "really the
events of last night seem more like an unpleasant dream than actual
occurrences."

"Christine has been up for several hours and busied in having everything
set to rights," the captain said in reply.

As usual family worship followed directly upon breakfast, and it was
scarcely over when the Ion carriage drove up with Grandma Elsie; Harold
and Herbert accompanying it on horseback.

"Captain, I am greatly interested in this affair," said Harold, shaking
hands with his brother-in-law; "indeed we all are for that matter, and
Herbert and I propose going over to Union to be present at the
examination of the prisoners.

"Is your strong room on exhibition? I own to a feeling of curiosity in
regard to it."

"You ar