k within, and not a human to be seen, you could believe almost
anything. You can think how proud Malachi was. She used to get plenty of
presents from the men who had no wives or children to care for--little
silver and gold things as well as others. She was fond of them, but no,
not vain. She loved the gold and silver for their own sake."

Pierre paused. "I knew a youngster once," said Gohawk, "that--"

Pierre waved his hand. "I am not through, M'sieu' Gohawk the talker.
Years went on. Now she took care of the house of Malachi. She wore the
whistle that Trevoor gave her. He kept saying to her still, 'If ever you
need me, little Norice, blow it, and I will come.' He was droll, that
M'sieu' Trevoor, at times. Well, she did not blow, but still he used to
come every year, and always brought her something. One year he brought
his nephew, a young fellow of about twenty-three. She did not whistle
for him either, but he kept on coming. That was the beginning of 'Exit
Malachi.' The man was clever and bad, the girl believing and good. He
was young, but he knew how to win a woman's heart. When that is done,
there is nothing more to do--she is yours for good or evil; and if a
man, through a woman's love, makes her to sin, even his mother cannot
be proud of him-no. But the man married Norice, and took her away to
Madison, down in Wisconsin. Malachi was left alone--Malachi and Trevoor,
for Trevoor felt towards her as a father.

"Alors, sorrow come to the girl, for her husband began to play cards
and to drink, and he lost much money. There was the trouble--the
two together. They lived in a hotel. One day a lady missed a diamond
necklace from her room. Norice had been with her the evening before.
Norice come into her own room the next afternoon, and found detectives
searching. In her own jewel-case, which was tucked away in the pocket
of an old dress, was found the necklace. She was arrested. She said
nothing--for she waited for her husband, who was out of town that day.
He only come in time to see her in court next morning. She did not deny
anything; she was quiet, like Malachi. The man played his part well. He
had hid the necklace where he thought it would be safe, but when it was
found, he let the wife take the blame--a little innocent thing. People
were sorry for them both. She was sent to jail. Her father was away in
the Rocky Mountains, and he did not hear; Trevoor was in Europe. The
husband got a divorce, and was gone. Norice wa