And escape he did. He slipped out of his place in the line of men and hid behind a large pile of lumber where some carpenters were at work. One man had taken off his suit of blue overalls, and thrown it down upon the boards, and instantly Tom had put this on, and had calmly walked out of the gate with the set of carpenters. When he once was in the open air his thoughts immediately went to Helen. He would change his clothes, and then satisfy himself how his sweetheart was getting along. * * * * * Helen Standish was growing impatient, and her twenty-first birthday was fast crowding upon her--that time when she would be her own mistress. This thought often haunted both Benson and Nathans. The Jew had tormented Benson with his fears and worryings. “You’ve got to marry that girl or put her out of the way,” commanded the Jew, and Benson knew this to be a fact, for was he not involved to such an amount that he could not stand under the strain much longer? So this evening he sent for his ward, and said to her: “My dear Helen, I am going to ask you a question. Will you marry me? I love you, and I beg you to be my wife.” The girl rose to her feet. Her eyes narrowed into just a squint, for she seemed to be measuring his strength against hers. There was something so strong in her feelings to-night. Was she not twenty-one to-morrow and mistress of her own fortune? And did it not mean freedom for her Tom? “I thank you, my cousin,” said she, bowing low, “but I will have to decline the honor. What is more, to-morrow I will want my home to myself, as I am thinking of making several changes among the servants. And then, my lawyer says that you should hand me a statement of all the moneys spent since my grandfather died, and then please turn my property over to me.” CHAPTER XII. Then this slip of a girl had outwitted him after all, and had hired a lawyer without his knowledge or consent. “You cannot mean what you say, Helen,” he said presently. “Every word,” was her short answer. “Then I shall have to make arrangements to-night. You will have to excuse me.” While he was saying this, Nathans was ushered into the room as the girl went out by another door. “I was just wanting you, Nathans. The girl has stepped over the traces, and has asked me to leave here to-morrow, when she becomes of age, and asks for control of her property.” “Then she dies to-night,” decided the Jew. “You cannot give her any statement or I will be without the money you have borrowed of me. Now is the time to get rid of her.” “I don’t know how.” “I do. You send for her, and let me teach you a thing or two.” As Nellie went out she heard the bell give a long ring, and waited in the hall to see who it might be. Arkwright, the detective, walked in. “Miss Standish, Miss Helen, wait, I want to speak with you particularly. Is Tom Cooper here?” Nellie staggered back against the wall.