Jasher shrugged his shoulders. "Oh, it's none of my business," said he. "I know you are innocent, as you can prove the _alibi_, or it would be my duty to arrest you. But unless you can close the mouth of Bocaros, he will tell Derrick, and then----" "Then I'll face the business out," said Arnold proudly. "I have been a fool; but I am not a knave or a murderer. What do you say, Tracey?" "I'm with you," said the American; "go through with the biz." "Jasher shrugged his shoulders. It would be better to bribe the professor to silence," he said. "However, I have my orders, and I'll go on." CHAPTER XV THE PROFESSOR'S COURTING Disappointed of the fortune, Bocaros had to keep on teaching at the suburban school. He disliked the drudgery of the task, and hated the boys who did not always treat him respectfully. The poor man had a miserable time, and the loneliness of his life at the Refuge did not tend to cheer him. What with his disappointment, the dampness of his house, his straitened circumstances, let alone the fact that he was in love, Professor Bocaros found life very hard. He really adored Emily Doon. As she had told Jasher, Bocaros had rescued her from the insults of a ruffian, and since then she had been kind to the lawman. At first it did not enter her head to marry him, as she knew how desperately poor he was. But Bocaros was a gentleman, and Emily warmly desired to marry above her rank. She was a handsome, ambitious girl with some education, and from reading novels such as Mrs. Baldwin loved, she became imbued with the idea that she was destined for a romantic life. Her visions included a title, a large income, beautiful dresses, and the envy of every one she knew. She painted a picture of her calling as a countess on Mrs. Fane and of crushing that stately lady with patronage. Emily did not like Mrs. Fane very much, as she found her a somewhat severe mistress. Therefore she was anxious to marry as soon as possible. But those who sought her hand were in trade, and Bocaros was the only gentleman who seemed to admire her in a genteel and respectful way. The conversation with Jasher put a different complexion on the affair. According to the professor's man of business, who certainly must know what he was talking about, Bocaros was a baron, and was likely to come in for money. It was true that no details had been given, but the mere hint was sufficient for Emily. She at once decided to encourage the professor instead of snubbing him, and to this end, having dressed herself in her best things, she went to pay a visit shortly after five o'clock, an hour when she knew Bocaros would be within.