It was a cruel thing to force this doubt on her. "You won't send me away, John?" she entreated. "If I were to leave Mount Hope now it would break my heart! I--we--my father and I, wish every one to know that our confidence in you is unshaken." North turned to the general with a look of inquiry, of appeal. Something very like a sigh escaped the older man's lips, but he squared his shoulders manfully for the burdens they must bear. He said quietly: "Let us consider a phase of the situation that Elizabeth and I have been discussing this afternoon. Watt Harbison is no doubt doing all he can for you; but he was at Idle Hour last night, and said he would, himself, urge on you the retention of some experienced criminal lawyer. He suggested Ex-judge Belknap; I approve of this suggestion--" But North shook his head. "Oh, yes, John, it must be Judge Belknap!" cried Elizabeth. "Watt says it must be, and father agrees with him!" "But I haven't the money, dear. His retainer would probably swallow up all I have left." "Leave Belknap to me, North!" interposed the general. North's face reddened. "You are very kind, and I--I appreciate it all,--but don't you see I can't do that?" he faltered. "Don't be foolish, John. You must reconsider this determination; as a matter of fact I have taken the liberty of communicating with Belknap by wire; he will reach Mount Hope in the morning. We are vitally concerned, North, and you must accept help--money--whatever is necessary!" The expression on North's face softened, and tears stood in his eyes. "I knew you would prove reasonable," continued the general, and he glanced at Elizabeth. She was everything to him. He could have wished that North was almost any one else than North; and in spite of himself this feeling gave its color to their interview, something of his wonted frankness was lacking. It was his unconscious protest. "Very well, then, I will see Judge Belknap, and some day--when I can--" said North, still struggling with his emotion and his pride. "Oh, don't speak of that!" exclaimed General Herbert hastily. "This miserable business could not have happened at a worse time for me!" said the young fellow with bitterness. "Don't say that, John!" pleaded Elizabeth. "For your friends--" "You and your father, you mean!" interrupted North. "It is hard enough to think of you here alone, without--" Her voice faltered, and this time her eyes filled with tears. "I'll not object again, Elizabeth; that you should suffer is much the worst part of the whole affair!" Brockett had entered the room and General Herbert had drawn him aside. "I am coming every day, John!" said Elizabeth. "Will your father agree to that?" asked North. "Yes, can't you see how good and kind he is!" "Indeed I can, it is far beyond what I should be in his place, I'm afraid." "It has been so horrible,--such nights of agony--" she whispered. "I know, dear,--I know!" he said tenderly.