As if in reward for his docility she closed her hand again on his where it rested on the rock. It seemed to give him strength—strength to follow, to obey. “Listen, Tom; are you listening? An indictment—you know what an indictment is, don’t you?” she said kindly. “It’s an accusation—by the state. You and I are part of the state; do you see? It’s our accusation—no, no no, _please_ don’t be angry, Tom—I just mean that it isn’t a question between you and Mr. Whalen and the state, see? Because we’re a part of the state—you and I.” It cheered and consoled him to hear her couple their two names in this way. It made them seem like—like partners. “That indictment stands, Tom; it stands until it’s answered. Running away and hiding somewhere else doesn’t answer it. Don’t you see? And it is not for you and me to set ourselves up as judges. It’s just a question of good citizenship, Tom, that’s all. I wish now you had read the book I asked you to read. “You have to go to Kingston and tell them, the authorities; because there’s a stigma on you till you do. You have to think of your highest duty and that is your duty as a citizen. Then when they—when the case comes to trial you have a right to help him all you can. And you will try to, I know you will. I just thought that if you took the two thousand dollars you could hire a lawyer with it maybe—because I know he’s poor.” “Poor,” Tom whispered in pitiful, broken tones; “Yop.” “You can be a good citizen if you will, and then a good friend if he’ll let you. Please don’t, Tom—oh please—no, no, listen, Tom. I just want you to do your duty. Listen,” she pled. “I will have the money that Niel pays me for helping him—about three hundred dollars—and you can have that too. We’ll chip in to help him, Tom. And then—maybe—he’ll be freed—he’ll have his freedom in the right way. _Free_ just like you and me. Don’t you see, Tom?” He nodded his head in reluctant assent. “You must go and tell them, Tom, you must tell them that he is here. If we disrespect the law we can’t expect the law to protect us. Do you know what an indictment says, Tom? How it begins? It says, ‘We the people.’ Tom—poor Tom—I’m sorry, oh, so sorry. But you’ll do what’s brave and right, won’t you? Yes, you will. You came to ask me and I _have_ to tell you. It’s just like—I know—it’s just like going to war and shooting mothers’ sons, Tom. But you were a soldier and a scout and that means you’re a _citizen_. Aren’t you, Tom? And you’ll do your plain duty, won’t you? You asked me, Tom, and I’m telling you—you’ll—I knew you would....” Yes, she knew he would because he hung his head, then of a sudden clasped his hands before his face. It was only for just a moment.... CHAPTER XXX THE DEPARTURE