a sudden
impulse, he burst out impetuously: 'Yes, I will tell you, for I can
trust you, and I want your advice so badly.'

So he repeated rapidly all he knew, and his theory with regard to
Arthur, whom he wished so much to find, and of Billy's proposition that
he should go on his business to Tacoma. For a few moments the judge
seemed perplexed and undecided, for he was balancing in his mind the
pros and cons for going from the people, or staying to face them. If he
stayed he might have some unpleasant things to bear and hear, for there
were those who would talk, in spite of their protestations of the young
man's innocence; while to go might look like running away from the
storm, with the matter unexplained. On the whole, however, he decided
that it was better to go.

'Jerrie's interests are safe with me,' he said, 'and by the time you
return everything will be explained; but find Mr. Tracy as soon as
possible. I am inclined to think your theory with regard to him
correct.'

So it was decided that Harold should go, and the next night was
appointed for him to start. Had he known that Peterkin, and even Mrs.
Tracy, were each in his or her own way insinuating that he was running
from public opinion, nothing could have induced him to leave. But he did
not know it, and went about his preparations with as brave a heart as he
could command under the circumstances. Jerrie was more quiet now, though
every effort on his part to learn anything from her concerning the
diamonds brought on a fit of raving, when she would insist that the
jewels were hers, and must be brought to her at once.

'But you told me they were Mrs. Tracy's,' he said to her once.

With a cunning gleam in her eyes, she replied:

'So they are, or were; but oh, how little you know!'

And this was all he could get from her.

He told her he was going away, but that did not seem to affect her, and
she only began to talk of Maude, who, she said, must not be harmed.

'Have you seen her? have you seen her?' she kept saying.

'Not yet,' he replied, 'but I am going to say good-bye;' and on the day
of his departure he went to the Park House and asked if he could see
Maude.

'Of course not,' was Mrs. Tracy's prompt reply, when the request was
taken to her. 'No one sees her, and I certainly shall not allow him to
enter her room.'

'But, Dolly,' Frank began, protestingly, but was cut short by the lady,
who said:

'You needn't "Dolly" me, or try to take his pa