aid. "There is no knowing what turn affairs
will take. I only wish I were a thousand miles from here. It would be
safer for us both." Then, after a pause, he added, "If I were foot-free,
I would be off to-morrow."

He watched Mrs. Dinneford closely, and saw a change creep over her face.

"If I were to disappear suddenly," he resumed, "suspicion, if it took
a definite shape, would fall on me. You would not be thought of in the
matter."

He paused again, observing his companion keenly but stealthily. He was
not able to look her fully in the face.

"Speak out plainly," said Mrs. Dinneford, with visible impatience.

"Plainly, then, madam," returned Freeling, changing his whole bearing
toward her, and speaking as one who felt that he was master of the
situation, "it has come to this: I shall have to break up and leave
the city, or there will be a new trial in which you and I will be the
accused. Now, self-preservation is the first law of nature. I don't mean
to go to the State's prison if I can help it. What I am now debating
are the chances in my favor if Granger gets a pardon, and then makes
an effort to drive us to the wall, which he most surely will. I have
settled it so far--"

Mrs. Dinneford leaned toward him with an anxious expression on her
countenance, waiting for the next sentence. But Freeling did not go on.

"How have you settled it?" she demanded, trembling as she spoke with the
excitement of suspense.

"That I am not going to the wall if I can help it."

"How will you help it?"

"I have an accomplice;" and this time he was able to look at Mrs.
Dinneford with such a fixed and threatening gaze that her eyes fell.

"You have?" she questioned, in a husky voice.

"Yes."

"Who?"

"Mrs. Helen Dinneford. And do you think for a moment that to save myself
I would hesitate to sacrifice her?"

The lady's face grew white. She tried to speak, but could not.

"I am talking plainly, as you desired, madam," continued Freeling.
"You led me into this thing. It was no scheme of mine; and if more evil
consequences are to come, I shall do my best to save my own head. Let
the hurt go to where it rightfully belongs."

"What do you mean?" Mrs. Dinneford tried to rally herself.

"Just this," was answered: "if I am dragged into court, I mean to go
in as a witness, and not as a criminal. At the first movement toward an
indictment, I shall see the district attorney, whom I know very well,
and give him such informatio