“And this gentleman,” said Arkwright sarcastically, coming nearer Tom, “is an escaped convict, whom I shall have to ask to accompany me to the station house.” Light seemed to break upon Nellie’s mind, but she strenuously denied the charge, keeping a tight hold of her lover. “You have made a mistake,” cried she. “Tom never did a wrong thing in his life, and I am going to be his wife.” “But you cannot, my dear Miss Standish; you are a minor, and cannot have your own way for a whole year yet.” “Nevertheless I am going to be his wife, am I not, Tom? Tell me that they have made a mistake, and that you are not what they are trying to prove you.” The man did not speak. “Tell me, Tom, was that island in the fairy story--was that Blackwell’s Island?” “Yes.” This one word fell from the man’s lips as if all hope had left him, and he knew that they would tear from him his darling, and that he would spend the rest of his days in prison. Benson now came forward, trying to take Nellie’s hand in his. “My dear little cousin, you cannot again be taken from me. I have searched the city for you, and now you shall take your position in life, and be the rich girl you ought to be.” “I do not want to go with you,” said she mournfully. “But you must.” “I will not.” The more she contemplated the step the more she shuddered, and she did not intend that Tom should be taken from her. “Miss Standish, listen to me,” and Arkwright went close to her; “now the law has left you in the charge of your cousin. Mr. George Benson was left by the terms of your grandfather’s will, the one trustee who should look after you personally. I suppose if he had known that you did not want to be with him your relative would have changed his wishes, but now that he is dead you will have to be satisfied with the arrangements, and as far as this man is concerned,” pointing to Tom, “I know him to be an escaped convict, and I shall have to ask him to accompany me.” “I am this young lady’s guardian,” put in Tom obstinately. “Self-appointed,” sneered Arkwright, “but that will not hold. Then, too, you will be in a cell before night.” “Oh, no, no, Tom, tell me all about it, sweetheart.” “I will, Nellie, and remember what I am telling you is as true as my love for you. I was arrested for a crime which I did not commit. I did not steal your grandfather’s jewels, and that man knows it.” He brought out the last words with a jerk, and pointed his finger at Benson. George started toward him, but Arkwright detained him. “I believe you, Tom,” said Nellie simply, “and as long as I live I shall believe you are innocent.” “But that will not prevent your going with your cousin.” The detective said this as he fastened the bracelets upon Tom’s wrists. “I won’t go unless Biddy can go, too.” “Well, she cannot,” said Benson, looking crossly at the Irishwoman.