“He has escaped from the prison, and is being traced toward here. He went as far as the sailor’s boathouse, and then further track of him was lost. Now then, little girl, if he is here tell me, for it will be better for him. I have been working upon his case for a long time; in fact, ever since you became fond of him, and it may be that he will be released. Don’t keep him hidden, Miss Standish.” “He is not here; honestly he is not,” answered the girl. “I believe you, child,” replied the detective, “and will say this much: Lately I have had reason to believe that the Jew who keeps the pawnshop in which your lover was arrested is a fraud, and he was the one who lodged a complaint against Cooper. But I cannot buy him over. Now my idea was that you were to listen and hear anything that might be said between your cousin and the Jew which would lead to the discovery of the man who stole the jewels.” “I shall be too glad,” breathed the girl. “I believe that my lover is suffering for another’s crime. What you can do for me I will gladly pay for.” “Then help yourself by listening.” “Oh, won’t you stay here to-night, Mr. Arkwright? I think something is going to happen, and if it does I shall need you.” “Then I shall stay,” said he, for what man could withstand such eyes and such pleading? “I shall hide in here, then,” said he, “and if Tom Cooper comes here will you trust me with his future?” And the girl promised. It was Biddy’s business to put the family silver away in the vault every night, and this evening Benson could not get her out soon enough. “Will you hurry, Irish?” said he insultingly, as he and the Jew laughed. “I am hurrying,” said she, “as fast as I can.” “And I want to tell you another thing, Biddy,” commanded Benson, “I saw your cousin Jim about here this evening, and if I see him again I shall hand him over to the police.” The woman started visibly. “It isn’t my fault that he comes,” said she, shoving one after another of the heavy plates inside. “Here, I will get the rest.” “No,” replied Benson, “not now; I am in a hurry to finish with Mr. Nathans. You can come in later.” As the woman went into the dining-room she came upon her cousin. “Jim,” commenced she, “you’d better not let Mr. Benson see you about here, for he said he would give you over to the police if he did.” “I’d like to see him,” replied the man sneeringly. “Well, youse know that he can, for he is strong and mighty. Now, for the sake of your mother, straighten up and be a good man.” “Too much trouble, Biddy,” was the answer. Then his eyes fell upon the heavy silver upon the table. “Plated?” asked he, lifting one up. “No, and you put it down,” commanded Biddy, “your fingers are light enough to even let that heavy dish stick to ’em.” With this she went out with another load and deposited it near the library, grumbling that a woman was not allowed to do her work in any season at all. Jim, with a sudden thought, hid in the pantry.