tting Mr. Linden take his
own view of them. His own view was a peculiar one--to judge by his
words.

"Miss Faith, I suppose you are not much acquainted with law forms,--yet
you perhaps know that an important witness in an important case, is
sometimes put in prison until his evidence is obtained."

Faith looked up at him in pure astonishment, the corners of her mouth
indicating that she expected another _puzzle_, or rather was already
engaged in one. The look made his gravity give way a little.

"I thought you might like to know your position at present," he said.

"I don't know it yet, Mr. Linden."

"It is that of the unfortunate prisoner to whom I referred."

"A prisoner!--" said Faith looking up at him very much amused. "Well,
Mr. Linden?"

He looked amused too, yet with a difference.

"Well, Miss Faith--You are a prisoner, for political purposes. There is
no practicable way for you to get back to the house save through the
witness-box."

"Where is the witness-box?" said Faith.

"Are you in a hurry to be in it?"

"No," said Faith with a very unshadowed smile, "I am not in a hurry for
anything."

"Then tell me what you have been reading to-day," he said, throwing
himself down on the grass beside her.

She looked at him, hesitated, then said with a lowered tone,

"I have been reading what you told me to read--and my testament."

Mr. Linden lifted his hat a little, replaced it--rather more down over
his brows than before, looking steadily down at Kildeer river the while.

"Why did you look grave when I asked you if you had brought 'Le
Philosophe'?"

"I didn't know I did!" said Faith simply. "I had brought only my
testament."

"Only--" Mr. Linden repeated. "Well, from 'only' a testament and only
such a scene--a skilful reader may get much." Then turning and looking
her full in the face, he said, "Miss Faith--what have those boys done
to vex you?"

A sudden, painful, startled flush answered him. She did not look now;
she said earnestly,

"Please Mr. Linden, don't speak of it!"

"I must know--" was his only answer.

"No," she said gently but troubled,--"you mustn't know, and there is no
need you should. There is no need," she repeated eagerly.

"There is another true little witness I can call upon--but I would
rather have your account."

"How did you know?--how did you know anything about it?" said Faith,
facing round upon him in her turn.

"Gentlemen of what Miss Danforth is pleased to cal