, calls for a master mind--the mind of a Burr. To tell of
passion, one must have felt passion, and of such Burr had known his
full share. No lawyer for the defence was ever better prepared than
Burr, and he did his best. In court he told the jury a tale of motive,
of circumstance, and of primitive love, such as had never been heard
in that county before; such that the twelve men, without leaving their
seats, brought a verdict of "Not guilty."

"I can't thank you right," said the big man, with a catch in his
voice, wringing Burr's hand.

"Don't try," interrupted Burr, quickly. "You did as much for me." And
even Burr did not attempt to say any more just then.

III

The two men went East together, travelling days where now hours would
suffice. Why Burr took the countryman home with him, knowing, as he
did, the incongruity of such a step, he himself could not have told.
It puzzled Ellis still more. He had intended going far away to some
indefinite place; but this opportunity of being virtually thrust into
the position where he most wished to be, was unusual; it was a
reversal of all precedent; and so why demur?

[Illustration: The two men went East together.]

On the way, Burr told much of his life--probably more than he had told
before in years. He knew that the sympathy of Ellis was sincere, and a
disinterested motive was with him a new thing, a key to confidence.

A woman was at this time, and had been for years, foremost in Burr's
mind. He was going to see her now; beyond that his plans were dim.
During a career of politics, there had crept into the man's life much
that was hard and worldly; but this attachment was from ambition far
apart--his most sacred thing.

She was a brilliant woman, this friend of Burr's; one whom many
sought; but it was not this which influenced him. She had been his
best friend, and had taken him into her own home during the darkest
hour of his life, when condemnation was everywhere. Gossip had
fluttered, but to no avail. Burr never forgot a friend, and in this
case it was more than friendship: it was a genuine love that lasted;
for years later, in his old age and hers as well, old Jumel mansion
made gay at their wedding.

"What do you expect to do?" asked Burr of Ellis.

"Anything just now that will make me forget," answered the countryman,
quickly. "So there's enough of it is all that I ask. I'm going to get
a little more education first. Sometime I'll study law--that is, if