“More enemies than friends, I am afraid, sir,” was the answer, “for although I have tried my best to be friendly with the girls, they all treat me coldly; they are not at all like Miss Jennings.”

“It is strange how they dislike and distrust each other,” said Mr. Denton, sadly.  “But I suppose it is because they have so little in life, they are constantly filled with envy over the possessions of others.”

If Faith knew this to be a compliment she did not show it.  So far it had not seemed to her that the girls were envious of her beauty.

“You may go now, Sam,” said Mr. Denton, kindly, “and, see here, young man, keep your mouth shut about this matter!  Not a single word until I give you permission!”

Sam promised faithfully, and was glad to do so.  Since he had been restored to his position he had silently worshiped Mr. Denton.

“Now, Miss Marvin, I must caution you as I did Sam,” said the gentleman.  “Say nothing until the officer here has ferreted out this matter.  A single word might put the criminal on guard, and a single utterance may delay the triumph of justice.”

He dismissed the young girl with a courteous bow, and was surprised that she still lingered in a pleading manner.

“Please, Mr. Denton,” she cried, brokenly, “don’t try to ferret the matter out!  I beg of you, sir, let it drop and keep it a secret!  The injury to your son is no greater than to me, so let it go no further, I implore it, Mr. Denton!”

“What, pass an attempted murder by!” exclaimed Mr. Denton in amazement.  “I am astonished, Miss Marvin, that you should make such a suggestion!”

“But I do make it!” cried Faith desperately, “and I beg that you will grant it!  Surely it was I who was to be the victim.  I should be allowed to forgive the culprit!”

“On what grounds?” asked Mr. Denton, who was trying to exercise justice.

“On the grounds that it will do no good to expose or punish,” cried Faith eagerly, “for a person who could do a deed like that can be saved by mercy, but not by justice!”

Mr. Denton looked thoughtfully, but he could not accede to her request.  He did not believe that even a Christian could ignore the laws of man in such a matter.

“No, Miss Marvin,” he said, firmly, “the criminal must be exposed.  It is the only way to stop a repetition of such cowardly actions!”

“It was a woman who did it without doubt!” broke in the detective sharply, “and she’ll do it again, sure, if she isn’t punished!  A woman that hates like that will stop at nothing!”

Faith glanced at him reproachfully, but did not answer.  She did not mean by word or look to betray her suspicions.

“I will not ask you to state whom you suspect, Miss Marvin,” said Mr. Denton, “for I see in your face that you would not tell me; but in regard to my son, I must talk with you later.  You are under my protection, and not even my own flesh and blood shall be allowed to annoy you.”