As Northwick no more moved than spoke, Newton took him by the arm, and helped him down the piazza-steps and into the dark of the avenue, tunnelled about their feet by the light of the lantern, as they led and pushed their helpless capture toward the lodge at the avenue gate. Northwick had heard and understood them; he did not know what secret purpose their pretence of taking him to his children might not cover; but he was not capable of offering any resistance, and when he reached the cottage he sank passively on the steps. He shook in every nerve, while Elbridge pounded on the door, till a window above was lifted, and Adeline's frightened voice quavered out, "Who is it? What is it?" Mrs. Newton took the words out of her husband's mouth. "It's us, Miss Northwick. If you're sure you're awake--" "Oh, yes. I haven't been asleep!" "Then listen!" said Mr. Newton, in a lowered tone. "And don't be scared. Don't call out--don't speak loud. There's somebody here--Come down, and let him in." Northwick stood up. He heard the fluttered rush of steps on the stairs inside. The door opened, and Adeline caught him in her arms, with choking, joyful sobs. "Oh, father! Oh, father! Oh, I knew it! I knew it! Oh, oh, oh! Where was he? How did you find him?" She did not heed their answers. She did not realize that she was shutting them out when she shut herself in with her father; but they understood. VI. Northwick stared round him in the light of the lamp which Adeline turned up. He held fast by one of her hands. "What's he going to do? Has he gone for the officer? Is he going to give me up?" "Who? Elbridge Newton? Well, I guess his wife hasn't forgot what you did for them when their little boy died, if _he_ has, and I _guess_ he hasn't gone for any officer! Where did you see him?" "In the house. I was there." "But how did he know it?" "I had to have a light to see by." "Oh, my goodness! If anybody else had caught you I don't know what I _should_ have done. I don't see how you could be so venturesome!" "I thought you were there. I had to come back. I couldn't stand it any longer, when that fellow came with your letter." "Oh, he _found_ you," she cried, joyfully. "I _knew_ he would find you, and I said so--Sit down, father; do." She pushed him gently into a cushioned rocking-chair. "It's mother's chair; don't you remember, it always stood in the bay-window in your room, where she put it? Louise Hilary bought it at the sale--I know she bought it--and gave it to me. It was because the place was mother's that I wouldn't let Suzette give it up to the company." He did not seem to understand what she was saying. He stared at her piteously, and he said with an effort: "Adeline, I didn't know about that accident. I didn't know you thought I was dead, or I--"