spirits had deserted her. As they drove toward the town her
father noticed that she was very quiet and that her face wore a look of
patient resignation and fortitude as if she had made up her mind to go
courageously through a difficult and trying ordeal.

"Don't be anxious and troubled, dear child," he said, taking her hand
and pressing it affectionately in his; "you are not going alone into
that crowded court room."

"No, papa; and I'm ever so glad you will be with me."

"And not only I, dear, but a nearer, dearer, more powerful Friend. Jesus
says, 'Lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the World.' He
says it to every one of his disciples, and that always must include this
time that you are dreading.

"He will be close beside you and you can ask him at any instant for the
help you need to know exactly what to say and do; the help to be calm
and collected, and to answer clearly and perfectly truthfully every
question put to you."

"Papa, it's so nice to think of that!" she exclaimed, looking up
brightly and with glad tears shinning in her eyes; "thank you so very
much for reminding me of it. Now I shall not be at all afraid, even if
the lawyers do ask me hard, puzzling questions, as I've read in the
papers, that they do to witnesses, sometimes."

"No, you need not be afraid; I am not afraid for you; for I am sure you
will be helped to say just what you ought; and if--as I believe will
happen--you are enabled to acquit yourself well, remember, when people
commend you for it, that having done so by help from on high, the honor
is not fairly due to you, and you have no reason to be conceited and
vain in consequence."

"I hope I'll be kept from being that, papa," she returned. "I don't
think that for anybody with as good a memory as mine, having told a
straightforward truthful story is anything to be puffed up about."

"No, certainly not."

The wealth and standing in the community of Captain Raymond and his
wife's relatives; caused a widespread interest in the case about to be
tried; especially in connection with the fact that he and two of his
children were to be placed upon the witness stand to testify to the
identity of the burglars and their attempt to rob his house.

The Court House was crowded, and there were very many of the better
class of people among the spectators, including members of the families
residing at the Oaks, the Laurels, the Pines, Ion, Fairview and
Roselands.

Dr. Conly, Mr. an