"What will he think of me coming to him in this way?" was the question which disturbed her, and she was deeply flushed and her pulse quickened as Rawlins, quite unconscious of her sudden panic, led the way into the sheriff's office and with eager haste presented her to Throop, who greeted her with the smile and gesture of an old acquaintance. The supervisor lost no time. "We've come on business," he said. "We want Hanscom, Mr. Sheriff. This young lady has gone on his bond in my stead, and here is an order for his release, signed by Judge Brinkley." Throop was genuinely pleased. "Hah! I'm glad of that," he said, as he took the paper. After a moment's glance at it he said: "All right, you can have the body. Go into the parlor and I'll send him in to you." Helen obeyed silently, knowing that Rawlins would remain in the office--which he did--leaving her to receive the ranger alone. He came in with eyes alight with worship. "I'm heartily obliged to you," he said, boyishly. "I thought I was in for a week or two of cell life and reflection." She met his gratitude with instant protest. "Please don't thank me; I am only repaying a little of our debt. Won't you be seated?" she added, acting the part of hostess in her embarrassment. "Of course I don't mean that. You must be anxious to leave this place." "I was, but I'm not so anxious now. How is Mr. Kauffman?" "Much easier. He was sleeping when I left." "I'm glad of that. He's had a hard week, and so have you, and yet"--he hesitated--"you are looking well in spite of it all." "That is the strange part of it," she admitted. "I am stronger and happier than I have been for two years. I have just heard from my family in the East." His eyes became grave. "Then you will go back to them?" "I think so, but not at once--not till after your trial--it would be grossly ungrateful for me to go now. I shall wait till you are free." His fine, clear, serious eyes were steadily fixed upon her face as she said this, and she knew that he was extracting from every word and tone their full meaning, and it frightened her a little. At last he said, in a voice which was tense with emotion, "Then I hope I shall never be free." She hastened to lessen this tension. "The judge has promised to grant you a hearing soon. Mr. Rawlins thinks it only a case for Justice Court, anyway." She rose. "But let me see Mrs. Throop for a few minutes and then we will go." "Wait a moment," he pleaded, but she would not stay her course--she dared not. They found Mrs. Throop in the hall, discussing the interesting situation with Rawlins, and when Helen extended her hand and began to thank her again for her kindness, the matron cut her short. "Never mind that now. I want you should all stay to supper."