llowing day Pierre Lanier is released from prison. There had been
no formal charge requiring investigation. All concerned had acquiesced
in this irregular, unauthorized detention. Having fully accomplished
that Calcutta mission, and received, direct to Alice, transfers of all
property listed by Pierre Lanier, there could be no possible good result
from longer detention of this miserable man.

Pierre is stupefied by this unexpected release. He seems neither elated
nor curious at such good fortune. Sir Donald was at the prison when
Pierre came out. They walked away together. To Sir Donald's question:

"What can I now do for you, Mr. Lanier?" there is a long silence, then
comes reply:

"How is Paul?"

Hearing that Paul is being kindly treated, Pierre looks grateful, and
says:

"That is right. Paul is not to blame."

Sir Donald now offers to do all in his power for Pierre's future
comfort, adding:

"I will consider it a privilege to help you."

Pierre smiles vacantly, stands in reverie, then extending his hand, in
low tones says:

"My boy is innocent! His father did it all."

With Sir Donald's assurance that in a few days he will meet Pierre at a
designated place in London, and tell him some good news, they separate.

When first confined in the asylum Paul had been fierce and violent. This
was followed by more pacific moods, and he became quite tractable. At
times Paul indulged in childish speech, and cried for his father's
coming. After a long reverie Paul once said:

"No, I did not drown them! That was Alice at--at--what's the name of
that place? That strong fellow could swim. What's his name? Yes, that's
it."

Within a week after Thomas Webster's return occurred those happy
nuptials. Because of tragic happenings there were few invited guests.
All had resulted well. Past sorrows cast their inevitable forward
shadows, but the present is nevertheless joyous in full content,
luminous with halo of future hopes.

Each day Pierre Lanier calls at the asylum. Through Sir Donald's
previous suggestion, Pierre is accorded special privileges. Paul grows
hysterically joyful when his father comes. Alone after these
oft-recurring visits, Paul sobs bitterly.

From Sir Donald and Thomas Webster Pierre scrupulously declines any
offers of personal assistance. This is not through pique or pride.

That restitution had been in nature of a bid for Paul's deliverance, but
these would-be almoners were not contracting parties.