“Have you made him acquainted with this scheme?”

“Certainly not.  I owed it to you to secure your approbation and co-operation, before mentioning the matter to him.”

“Have you considered the opposition which, without inconsistency, he cannot fail to offer?  As prosecuting attorney for the Darringtons he would be recreant to his client, if he consented to release on bail.”

“His sympathy is deeply enlisted in her behalf, and I do not anticipate opposition; nevertheless, it would not deter me from the attempt to free her, at least temporarily from prison.  As you have no connection with the trial, I can see no impropriety in your telling Judge Parkman, that the girl’s health demands a change of air and scene, and that it is my desire to furnish any bond he may deem suitable, and then bring the prisoner under my own roof, until the day fixed for her trial.  If you are unwilling to speak to him, will you permit me to mention the subject to him?”

“I fear enthusiasm is hurrying you into a proposal, the possibly grave consequences of which you do not realize.  You would run a great risk in bringing here that unfortunate woman, over whose head has gathered so black a cloud of suspicion.  In becoming her gaoler, you assume a fearful responsibility.”

“I fully comprehend all the hazard, and with your permission, I shall not shrink.  I have a conviction, for which I can offer no adequate grounds, that this girl is as innocent as I am; and if all the world hissed and jeered, I should stretch out my hand to her.  Do you recollect Ortes’ booty when Antwerp fell into Alva’s hands?  The keys of the dungeons.  I would rather swing wide the barred doors of yonder human cage across the river, and lead that woman out under God’s free sky, than wear all of Alva’s jewels, own his gold.  Uncle, will you speak, or shall I?”

“I must first talk with Churchill and Dunbar.  Your effort might result only in injury to the prisoner; because if she were brought into Court on writ of Habeas Corpus, and refused bail, as I fear would be the case, the failure would operate very unfavorably for her cause, on public opinion, of which after all, in nineteen cases out of twenty, the jury verdict is a reflection.  Some new evidence has been presented since the preliminary examination, and its character will determine the question of bail.  If I can see any chance of your success I will speak to Parkman; for, indeed, my dear child, I honor your motive, and share your hope; but unless I find more encouragement than I expect, I will not complicate matters by a futile attempt, which would certainly recoil disastrously.”

“Thank you, Uncle Mitchell.  Please act promptly.  I have set my heart of hearts on having that poor young woman here to spend Christmas.  Her freedom to walk about in the sunshine, is the one Christmas gift I covet; and I know you will gratify me if possible.  You have only four days in which to secure my present.”