Helen stared back at him in amazement. Her husband had never before expressed himself in quite such bombastic terms, and, oh, dear, she knew he was good; but for any human being to claim to be without sin! She'd never heard of such a thing. "But, dearest," she argued pleadingly and partly rising, "are you sure?" "I have no doubt about it," interpolated Ebenezer, striking his chest emphatically. "As I said, I know whereof I speak." Helen sank down again. "I'm glad you can explain it, dear," she murmured dubiously. "It'll be easier for you to make Deforrest understand about it when he comes. He's so wrapped up in that girl.... He'll be here in a few minutes, I think, if the train's on time." "I'll make him understand all right," answered Ebenezer. The words had scarcely left his lips before both husband and wife heard the approach of sleigh-bells. "He's coming now," said Mrs. Waldstricker, and she rose and started to the window. "Sit down and don't look as if you were going to die," her husband commanded. "But perhaps you'd better go to your room while I'm explaining the thing to him." When Deforrest Young opened the door and walked in, his face was wreathed in smiles. "Well, hello, everybody," he cried heartily. "It's an awful night." Ebenezer rose and extended his hand. "So 'tis," he agreed. Helen went forward quickly and helped slip the snow-covered coat from Deforrest's shoulders. At the same time she lifted her lips for a kiss. How she adored this brother of hers, and how anxiously she desired he should be satisfied with Ebenezer's account of the church proceedings. "I'm lucky to be home for Sunday," remarked Deforrest. "I was afraid the case wouldn't close before day after tomorrow. But the jury came in last night, and everything was quickly closed up." "We read about it in the paper," said his sister sympathetically. "It must have been a harrowing thing to go through." "It certainly was! But the acquittal helped. The woman is very young and without friends, and I was glad to get it for her." "But she's bad!" cut in Waldstricker. "Every paper said she was guilty." "But the jury pronounced her innocent," exclaimed the lawyer, "so that puts an end to the argument!" Ebenezer fingered the leaves of the book he held. "I've the happenings of a week to tell you, Deforrest," he stated deliberately, as if dismissing the former subject. Professor Young bent down and slipped off his overshoes. "I'm awfully tired, old chap," said he. "Won't they keep till morning? I'd like a bite to eat, and then--then bed." He smiled at his sister. "How about something to eat, sis, dear?" "Helen, go see about supper for your brother," ordered Ebenezer. Mrs. Waldstricker, seemingly glad to escape, left the room quickly. "Fire ahead, Eb," said Young. "I suppose I might as well hear it now as any time." "You sent Parson Griggs a letter for me to vote in your name?"