liceman.

Mr. Stephens broke away from Theodore's restraining arm and went toward
Winters.

"My poor, poor boy," he said, compassionately, "how _could_ you do it?"

Winters' eyes expressed nothing but malignancy as he muttered between
shut teeth:

"Because I _hate_ you, and that upstart who hoodwinks you."

Theodore came forward with quiet dignity.

"Mr. Stephens," he said, laying a gently detaining hand on the
gentleman's arm, "let me manage the rest of the business for you, you
are excited and weary. Secure the man in safe and comfortable quarters
for the night," he added, turning to the policeman, "and you will hear
from Mr. Stephens in the morning."

Five minutes more and Theodore and Mr. Stephens were left alone in the
library.

"No explanations to-night," said Theodore, with an attempt at
playfulness, as the other turned toward him with eager questioning eyes.
"I withdraw my prohibition, sir, as regards the papers, and will permit
you to retire at once."

"One word, Theodore, about the point that troubles me the most What
shall we do with the poor young man?"

Theodore's face darkened.

"The very utmost that the law allows," he said, sternly. "He deserves it
all. If you desire my advice on that point I should say--"

Mr. Stephens interrupted him, laying a quiet hand on his arm and
speaking gently:

"My boy, suppose you and I kneel down here and pray for him?"

All the heat and anger died out of Theodore's face. He remembered the
midnight interview which took place years before in that very room, when
Mr. Stephens was the judge and he himself the culprit. He remembered
that at that time Mr. Stephens had knelt down and prayed for _him_.
Reverently now he knelt beside the noble-hearted man, and heard him pour
out his soul in prayer for the "poor boy" who had tried so hard to
injure him. When they arose he turned quiet smiling eyes on his young
friend as he said:

"My dear boy, can you advise me now?"

"You do not need advice, sir," said Theodore, speaking somewhat huskily
and with a reverent touch in his voice. "Follow the dictates of your own
noble soul in this as in everything, and you will be sure to do the best
thing."

It was two o'clock when Theodore applied his own night-key and entered
his front door. The gas was still lighted in the back parlor, and
thither he went. It was not the back parlor that belonged to the little
cottage house near the depot; not the same house at all, but one l