"For Daisy's sake," said the young man; and the next moment the vicar's hand had closed upon his in a firm grasp. "Then we'll try and save him, Tom," said the vicar quietly. "I'm very glad you've come, Tom. I've seen very little of you lately." Tom looked up at him curiously, said something about being much obliged, and was turning to go, when the vicar stopped him. "We must make some plans for the poor fellow's safety," he said. "He must not be hurt. I'll go up first, and try if I can prevail upon him not to go." Tom nodded. "And if he will not be prevailed upon, we must try and act as we can. I think and hope that they will not attempt to touch him while I am by his side." Tom shook his head. "I wouldn't, sir, because I know you; but time back I would, if there'd been twenty parsons round him. They won't hurt you, sir, but they'll beat him if he attempts to go." "Let's hope not; let's hope not," said the vicar; "and now I'll go up to the house, while you'll wait here." "Wait here?" said Tom. "Yes; why not? I shall want to lay my hands upon you at a moment's notice. But stop. If he goes, it will be by the mail. That's at eight, and the station is two miles, say three-quarters of an hour for ample time. If he means to go, he will go afoot, so as not to excite attention." "Yes; and he'll go by the little door in the wall at the bottom of the garden, and off across the home close," said Tom. "Do you know that?" said the vicar. "No, sir; but that's how he used to go to meet her; and as he's going to join her to-night, I thowt that's the way he'd go." "Very likely," said the vicar; "and they're sure to know it, and watch. But look here, Tom Podmore, are you willing to help him get away?" "Yes, sir." "To join her?" "Yes; I was thinking, that mebbe if he got away to join the poor bairn he'd marry her; for I s'pose he's fond o' the poor lass. But he must be that. She'd mak' onny man--the very worst--fond on her." "Do you know any one you could get here to help you?" said the vicar. "I mean a stout sturdy fellow with brains, who could be depended on to help you back me up if we have to make a struggle for it." "John Maine, sir, at Bultitude's." "The very man. Get him here, and keep him till I come back." "I will, sir; but, say, parson--Mr Selwood, sir--for the Lord's sake don't let Dick Glaire take that pistol thing. If they get hold of him now, they'll beat him sore, but if he should shute a man, they'll niver let him see the light again." "I'll do my best, Podmore," said the vicar, sadly. "You do yours." They parted at the gate, bound on the same mission, that of saving the man who was making them both sick at heart with the desire that they felt could never be fulfilled. Volume 2, Chapter XIV. JESSIE'S TROUBLES.