Mrs. Ralston, who had heard from Tom all the particulars of Paul’s escape from prison, had freely forgiven Elithe for what she had been obliged to say at the trial. “I’ll go for her,” she said, feeling a great desire to see the girl who had risked so much for Paul. During the week which had elapsed since Paul’s escape there had been no intercourse between the Ralston House and Miss Hansford’s cottage. Tom knew he was suspected and watched, and, fearing to implicate Elithe in the matter, he had thought best to keep aloof from her as long as possible. And both she and her aunt were glad that he did so. They had no doubt as to the place of Paul’s concealment, but did not care to know certainly, as it was better to be ignorant of his whereabouts until the talk had subsided in some degree. Still they were anxious to know something definite, and were glad when Mrs. Ralston came to them one evening just after dark. She was on foot and alone, not caring to attract attention by driving in her carriage. Taking Elithe’s face between her hands, she kissed it tenderly and said: “I want to thank you for what you did for my boy. Tom tells me you were of great assistance and very brave.” “How is he?” Miss Hansford asked before Elithe could reply. Mrs. Ralston told them everything which had occurred since Elithe left Paul in the boat house,—of Paul’s mental condition and the hope they had that Elithe might rouse him. “He has a high fever, too,” she said. “Have you had a doctor?” Miss Hansford asked. “No, we dare not,” was Mrs. Ralston’s reply, and Miss Hansford continued: “I wouldn’t, either. None of ’em know enough to go in when it rains. I tried ’em when Elithe was sick and shipped them all. Good nursing is what he wants, with maybe some herb tea. I wish I could see him.” “You may,” Mrs. Ralston said. “Come to lunch with Elithe to-morrow. That will not excite suspicion. I have seen very few people, although many have called. Most of the visitors have left the island, and I am glad of that.” Her invitation was accepted, and the next day both Miss Hansford and Elithe were admitted to the Smuggler’s room. But Paul did not know either of them. His fever and delirium had increased, and he was talking continually, not of the present but of the past, when he was a boy with Jack Percy, stealing Miss Hansford’s watermelon and playing he was a prisoner in the Smuggler’s room, with an officer at the door trying to get in. This was uppermost in his mind, and he begged that the officer should be kept out, saying: “I don’t know what they think I did. I only know I didn’t do it.” The case was serious, and grew more and more so for three or four days, during which Miss Hansford expended all her nursing powers and knowledge, which were considerable, and Elithe staid by him constantly. He was more quiet with her, although he did not know her, and frequently called her Clarice, telling her he knew she would come, and once asking her to kiss him.