“Yes,” he said, “I noticed that she wasn’t one of the common sort.”

“And you must have observed also that she was delicate and frail looking.”

“Yes, that, too, was apparent, and we have every disposition to be humane toward prisoners.  You can send her some supper and bedding, and if you wish to write to her you can do so, but must submit what you write to the captain of the precinct.  I’m expecting him every minute.”

Roger wrote rapidly: 

“Miss Jocelyn—­Your friends fully believe in your innocence, and I think I can say without doubt that they have the means of proving it.  Much depends on your maintaining strength and courage.  Bedding will be sent to make you comfortable, and, for the sake of your mother and those you love at home, I hope you will not refuse the supper that shall soon be sent also.  I have ever believed that you were the bravest girl in the world, and now that so much depends on your fortitude and nerve, I am sure you will second the efforts of those who are trying to aid you.  With the strongest respect and sympathy, Roger Atwood.”

The captain, who soon appeared, saw no objection to this note, and promised that it should be sent to Mildred.

Roger then went to the nearest restaurant, and procured a delicate and inviting supper, which, with a generous pot of coffee, he carried so swiftly through the storm that it was sent smoking hot to the cell in which Mildred was confined.

He then hastened to a livery-stable, and, having obtained a carriage, was driven rapidly to the tenement in which the Jocelyns had their rooms.  Mr. Jocelyn, fortunately, was absent; for Mildred’s natural protector would only have made matters far worse.  If the guardians of the law had looked upon the wrecked and fallen man they would have felt that the daughter’s alleged crime was already half explained.  But a visit from Mrs. Jocelyn would make a far different impression, and he determined that she alone should accompany him to the station-house.

It would be useless to pain the reader with Mrs. Jocelyn’s distress, and for a time Roger thought the tidings would crush the already stricken woman; but in answer to his appeal she soon rallied in defence of her child.  At his request she assumed, as far as possible, the garb of a lady—­the appearance and bearing of one was inseparable from her.  It was with much difficulty that he persuaded the weeping and indignant Belle to remain with the children, for he well knew that she was far too excitable to deal with the police.  Having made every provision possible for Mildred’s comfort, they soon reached the station-house, and the sergeant in charge greeted them politely; but on learning their errand he frowned, and said to Mrs. Jocelyn, “No, you can’t see her till she is brought into court to-morrow.”

In answer to the mother’s appeals and Roger’s expostulations he remarked impatiently, “Do you think I’m going to disobey orders?  Either take my answer or wait till the captain comes in again.”