nted a farm not far from here, and
went to work. My luck was good. I skinned every farmer in the
neighborhood. All I wanted was enough money to clear my conscience.
Something--it must have been the devil--gave me a strange insight into
cattle trading. Anyway I prospered, and the other day sold out. And
here's your money, with six per cent interest for five years."

He placed a roll of paper on the table. Mills looked at him and then at
the card which he had taken up. "My name is Newton," said
Milford--"William Milford Newton. There's your money."

Mills took up the money, and then looked at his visitor. "I remember the
occasion," said he. "And you have worked all this time. Very
commendable, I assure you. How much more have you?"

"Less than ten dollars. Doesn't that satisfy you?"

"Oh, yes, I'm satisfied, but did it occur to you that the law might have
to be satisfied?"

"The law?" Milford gasped.

"Yes. You seem to have forgotten that part of it."

"The law!" said Milford.

"Yes, sir, the law."

"And that means the penitentiary," said Milford, looking hard at him.

"That's what it means. Will you go quietly with me, or shall I send for
an officer?"

"I came here quietly, didn't I? Yes, I'll go with you. I'm prepared to
take my medicine. When do you leave?"

"At twelve to-night."

"Will you let me go out on my word of honor? I'll be back by six
o'clock."

"Yes, but on your word of honor."

"Thank you. I will be here by six. I didn't think--but it's all right.
Yes, the law, of course. I'll be here by six."

* * * * *

A loud knock startled Gunhild, and she ran to the door and opened it in
nervous haste. Her eyes leaped out, and then she shrank back. "Oh, what
is the matter?" she cried.

"Nothing," Milford answered, trying to smile.

"But you look old," she said. "You have scared me."

She took hold of his hand to lead him into the sitting-room. "No, not in
there," he said. "I will tell you out here. I must not go in. I am
afraid that I might hear that Norwegian hymn--out here--let me tell
you! There was a time when you might have gone with me, but not now--not
where I am going."

"Don't, dearest; don't. What are you saying? I will go with you
anywhere. Yes, I will go with you. I dream of nothing but going with
you--through the fields, across the ditches."

"Will you go with me to the penitentiary?"

She put her arms about his neck. "Anywhere," she said. "To t