"And then at last, when there seemed to be no hope for it, the clouds cleared away, and it shone as bright, as bright!--and the stake was won. That is how it's going to be with the trouble that's upon us. You see, Florence, it wasn't only your happiness that was at stake; it was mine as well." "Yours, Dick!" And now there was a look of pain in her eyes. "Yes, mine, for if, working with all my heart and soul, I can realise my dearest wish, you will have a long life of happiness with the man you love." He looked brightly around. "Good luck, my dears. Come, Gracie." CHAPTER XLIV. IN THE CAUSE OF JUSTICE "Now Gracie," said Dick, as they wended their way to a small "jobbing" printer with whom he was acquainted; he himself had spent a few weeks in a printing office, and, as a Jack of all trades, could do something in the way of picking up stamps. "Now, Gracie, pay particular attention to what I'm going to say." "_I'd_ like to have a word first, please," she said. "Go ahead." "Who is that young gentleman with the white face that the young lady's so fond of?" "The young lady's husband, the son of Mr. Samuel Boyd." "Mr. Reginald. I thought so. He don't look as if he could have done it." "Done what?" "You know. The murder." "He did not do it, Gracie. I suppose you heard Dr. Vinsen say he did." "He was talking to mother, but he didn't say it outright----" "Ah, the coward! I hope you don't believe a word that drops from his lips." "_I_ don't; but mother does. Don't blame her, Dick; she can't help it." "No, poor thing. I pity her from my heart, torn this way and that as she is. But she's not the only one whose heart is aching over this affair. There's care and sorrow yonder." He pointed over his shoulder in the direction of Aunt Rob's house. "Gracie," he said energetically, "I'd pour out my heart's blood, drop by drop, if by doing so I could clear that trouble away!" "You're fond of her, Dick." He glanced furtively at the sallow impassive face raised to his. "She is my cousin, and Aunt Rob has been a mother to me. I've lived with them longer than I can remember. The last words I said to her just now were that I wanted to see her happy with the man she loved. That's what I'm working for, her happiness--that, and justice. Shall we go into partnership, you and I?" "Yes, Dick, please." "Your hand on it." They shook hands, and he resumed his old bright manner. "There never was a successful partnership without implicit confidence between the partners. Do you understand?" "They mustn't be suspicious of one another."