hree days," I went on, as he started to
protest, "so there is no necessity for leaping in the dark. And I
would point out to you that she is not yet of age, but is still under
her father's control."

"She is nineteen," he protested.

"In this state, the legal age for women, as for men, is twenty-one.
The law requires a very serious reason for interfering between a child
and its father. Moreover," I added, "she must not be compromised. If
you persuade her to accompany you to-night, where would you take her?
In no case, will I be a party to an elopement--I will do all I can to
prevent it."

He took a short turn up and down the room, his hands clenched behind
him.

"Mr. Lester," he said, at last, stopping before me, "I want you to
believe that I have not even thought of an elopement--that would be
too base, too unfair to her. But I see that you are right. She must
not be compromised."

"And you promise to ask my advice?"

"Suppose I make such a promise, what then?"

"If you make such a promise, and I agree with you as to the necessity
for Miss Vaughan to leave her father, I think I can arrange for her to
stay with Mr. and Mrs. Royce for a time. There she will be safe.
Should legal proceedings become necessary, our firm will help you. I
want to help you, Swain," I added, warmly, "but I must be convinced
that you deserve help. That's reasonable, isn't it?"

"Yes," he agreed, and held out his hand. "And I promise."

"Good. And now for the arrangements."

Two twelve-foot ladders were necessary, one for either side of the
wall; but, beyond a short step-ladder, the place possessed none except
the long one by which Godfrey and I had mounted into the tree. Swain
suggested that this might do for one, but I felt that it would better
stay where it was, and sent Hargis over to Yonkers to buy two new
ones, instructing him to bring them back with him.

Then Swain and I reconnoitred the wall, and chose for the crossing a
spot where the glass escarpment seemed a little less formidable than
elsewhere.

"You can step from one ladder to the other," I pointed out, "without
touching the top of the wall. A mere touch would be dangerous in the
dark."

He nodded his agreement, and finally we went back to the house.
Getting there, we found suddenly that we had nothing more to say.
Swain was soon deep in his own thoughts; and, I must confess, that,
after the first excitement, I began to find the affair a little
wearying. Another