Trueman arises and walks from his office.  A thought is forming in his mind.

“I’ll do it,” he says aloud, as he reaches the elevator.

“The miners have no one who is capable of prosecuting the case of the people.  The District Attorney and his staff have been bought off.  Any one of the injured miners has standing in the court, and can be represented by counsel.  Yes, there is O’Connor, I shall be his counsel.”

Trueman hurries to the east side of the town and hunts up the quarters of Patrick O’Connor.  The miner is still in bed; the fractured skull he had received by the blow from the rifle barrel nearly proved fatal.

In a few words Trueman explains how he had been driven to leave the Paradise Coal Company; and how he is now determined to be the champion of the people.

“I believe you, sir,” says O’Connor, feebly, “for you have always been kind to me.  But the rest of the miners think you are to blame for all of their troubles; especially when they face you in court.”

“You will tell them to put faith in me, won’t you, O’Connor?”

“Indeed I will, sir.”

The door opens to admit Sister Martha.

Harvey Trueman has not been face to face with Martha for eight years.

“You here, Martha!” he exclaims.

“I am here every day.  My duty brings me among the sick.”

The two playmates of the happy school days walk over to the window and talk in low tones for half an hour.  Trueman tells of his determination to be an antagonist of the Magnates, one of whom has attempted to buy his soul for the sordid interests of a corporation.

“You may be sure I shall be pleased to help you all I can,” Sister Martha assures him.  “And I have many friends among the miners.  It will be some time before they will accept your protestations in good faith.  You must know that your masterful knowledge of the law has kept many of them from winning their suit for damages against the Paradise Company.  If you do something to prove your sincerity it will win you many friends.”

“If I appear as the counsel of one of the miners and prosecute the Sheriff of Luzerne County, will that be sufficient to demonstrate my sincerity?” Trueman asks.

“It will make you their champion.”

“Well, you may tell the miners of Wilkes-Barre that I am to appear as counsel for Patrick O’Connor in the coming trial.  We will meet often now, I hope?” Harvey asks as he leaves the room.

“Whenever you come to this quarter of the city you will be able to find me,” Sister Martha responds.

Events move rapidly.  The trial is set for February first.  Between the day Harvey Trueman left the employ of the Paradise Company and the opening of the trial he wins the name of “Miner’s Friend.”  Eight damage suits against the Paradise Coal Company are won for miners by his sagacity and eloquence.

He has been able to learn of the effect of the break in the friendship between the Purdy’s and himself.  Ethel had been prostrated by the event.  For many days she had been actually ill.  As soon as her health permitted she had been sent abroad.  She is now in the south of France.