“Miss Royall, I am sorry that everything I do seems like a personal attack upon your people,” he replied at once, and he had never appeared to better advantage; “like the spiteful revenge of a foolish duellist, a sensational politician. Will you do me the justice to believe that my position is painful?” Diana looked at him and hated herself because her breath came so short; was she afraid of him? Perish the thought! “I always try to be just,” she began with dignity, and then finished lamely, “of course we are a prejudiced people at Eshcol.” “You are like people everywhere,” he replied; “we all have our prejudices. I wish mine were less. There is one thing I would like to say to you, Miss Royall--” He stopped abruptly, and raised his head. Their eyes met, and Diana knew that he was thinking of Jean Bartlett; she turned crimson. There was a long silence. “I shall not say it,” he said, and his strong face saddened. What right had he to thrust his confidence upon her? “You are waiting for your father?” he added; “may I not escort you to another room? This--is not suitable.” He wanted to add that he was amazed at the colonel for leaving her there; he did not yet fully understand the old man’s simplicity. “I prefer to stay here,” Diana replied, a little coldly; “my father knows I am here.” It was Caleb’s turn to color. “I beg your pardon.” He stopped again, and then turned and looked out of the window. “I fear I have lost even your friendship now,” he said bitterly. She did not reply at once; she was trying to discipline herself, and in the pause both heard the great clock in the tower strike one. “On the contrary, I thank you for offering to find me a pleasanter place to wait in,” Diana said, with an effort at lightness. “It is a little dreary, but I’m sure my father must be coming and--” She stopped with a little cry of surprise, for there was suddenly the sharp sound of a pistol shot, followed instantly by a second. The reports came from the other side of the hall, and were followed by a tumult in the street. “What can it be?” she cried, in sudden terror for her father. Caleb Trench swung around from the window with an awakening of every sense that made him seem a tremendous vital force. He divined a tragedy. Afterwards the girl remembered his face and was amazed at the fact that she had obeyed him like a child. “Wait here!” he exclaimed, “your father is safe. I will see what it is. On no account leave this room now--promise me!” She faltered. “I promise,” she said, and he was gone. It seemed five minutes; it was in reality only ten seconds since the shots were fired. Meanwhile, there was a tumult without, the shouting of men and the rush of many feet. Diana stood still, trembling, her hands clasped tightly together. Even afar off the voice of the mob is a fearsome thing. XIX MEANWHILE Colonel Royall and Judge Ladd had been in consultation in the judge’s private office, behind the court-room.