have encountered during my several years of service, I am
willing to acknowledge to one so sensible and at the same time of so
much modesty as yourself. This English gentleman has a reputation which
lifts him far above any unworthy suspicion, and were it not for the
favorable impression made upon us by Mr. Durand in a long talk we had
with him last night, I would sooner resign my place than pursue this
matter against him. Success would create a horror on both sides the
water unprecedented during my career, while failure would bring down
ridicule on us which would destroy the prestige of the whole force. Do
you see my difficulty, Miss Van Arsdale? We can not even approach this
haughty and highly reputable Englishman with questions without calling
down on us the wrath of the whole English nation. We must be sure
before we make a move, and for us to be sure where the evidence is all
circumstantial, I know of no better plan than the one you were pleased
to suggest, which, at the time, I was pleased to call quixotic."

Drawing a long breath I surveyed him timidly. Never had I so realized
my presumption or experienced such a thrill of joy in my frightened yet
elated heart. They believed in Anson's innocence and they trusted me.
Insignificant as I was, it was to my exertions this great result was
due. As I realized this, I felt my heart swell and my throat close. In
despair of speaking I held out my hands. He took them kindly and seemed
to be quite satisfied.

"Such a little, trembling, tear-filled Amazon!" he cried. "Shall you
have courage to undertake the task before you? If not--"

"Oh, but I have," said I. "It is your goodness and the surprise of it
all which unnerves me. I can go through what we have planned if you
think the secret of my personality and interest in Mr. Durand can be
kept from the people I go among."

"It can if you will follow our advice implicitly. You say that you
know the doctor and that he stands ready to recommend you in case Miss
Pierson withdraws her services."

"Yes, he is eager to give me a chance. He was a college mate of my
father's."

"How will you explain to him your wish to enter upon your duties under
another name?"

"Very simply. I have already told him that the publicity given my name
in the late proceedings has made me very uncomfortable; that my first
case of nursing would require all my self-possession and that if he did
not think it wrong I should like to go to it under my mot