to say that Gouverneur Hildreth is guilty comes hard to me after
the long struggle I have maintained in favor of his innocence. Yet, what
other conclusion remains after an impartial view of the subject? None.
Then why should I shrink from acknowledging I was at fault, or hesitate
to admit a defeat where so many causes combined to mislead me?"

"Which means you agree with Hickory?" ventured the District Attorney.

Mr. Byrd slowly bowed.

Mr. Ferris continued for a moment looking alternately from one to the
other; then he observed:

"When two such men unite in an opinion, it is at least worthy of
consideration." And, rising, he took on an aspect of sudden
determination. "Whatever may be the truth in regard to this matter,"
said he, "one duty is clear. Miss Dare, as you inform me, has been--with
but little idea of the consequences, I am sure--allowed to remain under
the impression that the interview which she held in the hut was with her
lover. As her belief in the prisoner's guilt doubtless rests upon the
admissions which were at that time made in her hearing, it is palpable
that a grave injustice has been done both to her and to him by leaving
this mistake of hers uncorrected. I therefore consider it due to Miss
Dare, as well as to the prisoner, to undeceive her on this score before
another hour has passed over our heads. I must therefore request you,
Mr. Byrd, to bring the lady here. You will find her still in the
court-house, I think, as she requested leave to remain in the room below
till the crowd had left the streets."

Mr. Byrd, who, in the new light which had been thrown on the affair by
his own and Hickory's suppositions, could not but see the justice of
this, rose with alacrity to obey.

"I will bring her if she is in the building," he declared, hurriedly
leaving the room.

"And if she is not," Mr. Ferris remarked, with a glance at the
consciously rebuked Hickory, "we shall have to follow her to her home,
that is all. I am determined to see this woman's mind cleared of all
misapprehensions before I take another step in the way of my duty."

XXXVI.

A MISTAKE RECTIFIED.

If circumstances lead me, I will find
Where truth is hid, though it were hid, indeed,
Within the centre. --HAMLET.

IF Mr. Ferris, in seeking this interview with Miss Dare, had been
influenced by any hope of finding her in an unsettled and hesitating
state of mind, he was effectual