then perhaps--perhaps I may go with you. Even if something had
happened there you could do nothing alone. I, too, am afraid now.
Just half an hour--fifteen minutes! Perhaps I may be able to find a
plan."

Suddenly she sank down on the stairs, with her face in her hands. He
caressed her hair tenderly, then raised her to her feet.

"Suppose you step into the back parlor here," he requested. "Just
give me fifteen minutes. Then, unless I can find a way for us to go
together safely, we will throw everything aside and go anyway.
Forgive me, dear."

She submitted quietly to be led along the hall. He opened the door
into a room and stood aside for her to pass.

"Gene, Gene!" she exclaimed.

Her soft arms found their way about his neck, and she drew his face
down and kissed him; then, without a word, she entered the room and
closed the door. A minute passed--two, four, five--and Mr. Wynne
stood as she left him, then he opened the front door and stepped out.

Frank Claflin was just starting toward the house from the corner with
deliberate pace when he glanced up and saw Mr. Wynne signaling for
him to approach. Could it be possible? He had had no orders about
talking to this man, but--Perhaps he was going to give it up! And
with this idea he accelerated his pace and crossed the street.

"Oh, Mr. Claflin, will you step in just a moment, please?" requested