Hastening to Barbour's room he opened the door without formality and found his guest upon his knees in silent prayer. Touched at the sight he went forward and knelt beside him, placing a hand upon his shoulder. Then he whispered into his ear-- "She is safe--the doctor says so--your prayer has been answered even as you made your wishes known. You should look upon her sweet face--come with me," appealed Villard as he helped the grief-stricken father to his feet and escorted him to the bedside where his child, with a smile on her lips, still slept. But the fact that she lived was enough joy for Alexander Barbour. CHAPTER VIII. HENRY UPDYKE DROPS IN Wondering what might be going on at Sawyer's home, Villard went into his study and gave him a ring over the phone. Sawyer personally answered the call. Evidently the episode of the morning had been trying, for his voice was gruff--much deeper than usual. "Who calls?" he demanded in a rasping tone. "Villard speaking--I have been wondering how matters stood over your way. All serene over here. The girl has opened her eyes, but immediately went back to sleep." "I'm glad to hear that--over here the situation is terrible! This man Parkins is a ruffian--at death's door his oaths are blasphemous, and to those who are trying to save his worthless life he shouts defiance and demands his revolver that he may 'kill the whole bunch'--to use his words, expurgated. His language toward Doctor Benton was vile!" "Well, well--that must be stopped! Wouldn't it be safe to move him to a sanitarium--or something?" "Yes--an asylum for insane drunkards--that's what you meant to say--wasn't it?" "Approximately that--why not drop over for a while and we will have a chat? You can count on me--you know that. I'm awfully sorry that you're mixed up in this, but when you come to know the girl you'll forgive everything." "I'll do that now, and I will be right over," said Sawyer, slamming the receiver back in its place in pure spite against the upheavals of the day. It was well along toward evening before Dr. Sawyer took leave of Villard's happy hospitality. He had even been invited to take a peep at the beautiful Winifred Barbour, who still slept, but would soon be normal--according to the doctor whose second call had brought complete assurance to the household. But the ever recurring subject between them was William Parkins. What should be done with him? More than once Villard showed signs of irresolution regarding him. Perhaps if he were sent to one of the far-off branches--Cape Town, for instance--but Sawyer threw up his hands and shouted "Pish--tush!" "Why man alive--he would kill the business of all your foreign connections. Asylum!--put him in a place where he may reflect at his leisure--and, say!--here's an idea--send for Henry Updyke!" exclaimed Sawyer, banging the arm of his chair. Without a word Villard stepped into the booth and rang up his man--promptly making connection.