erick Graves in the cabin of the fisher-girl were new
sensations to him. He loved Tessibel, and in her lay his future
happiness. Her stolid indifference to his endeavors to aid her through
her father had blasted his hopes somewhat. Then again he would
feverishly reason that she had been born to overlook all save those whom
she desired and for whom she fought. It was like her kind. Excuses for
the girl in the aid she had given the student ran willingly through his
brain. If Tess had seen the young fellow in the storm, it was but like
the tender, loving heart to aid him. It was no proof that Frederick had
found a place in her affections. With these thoughts in his mind he had
worked for several days, quietly hoping that the girl might seek him.

Tess found him waiting at the shanty door for her one afternoon after
returning from town. She smiled a welcome as she recognized her visitor.

"It air about Daddy ye comed," she said, lifting the padlock from the
staple.

"Yes, child, I wanted to tell you of some new friends your father has
made in Ithaca--strong friends to aid him."

"Friends," echoed Tess wonderingly. "Daddy Skinner had fishermen for his
friends--and not people of Ithacy--come in," she added. The fire
crackled on the hearth and Tess sat down to listen with open lips.

"I can't explain just how this came about," said Young, "but some of the
people who were in the court-room the day your father was convicted have
risen to befriend him."

Professor Young did not add that he himself had urged that money should
be raised for a second defense.

"So last night," he went on, "there was a meeting of several prominent
men and money has been placed in my hands for another trial for your
father."

Tess tried to understand the long words, and blinked knowingly. The
import of it was plain. Daddy was coming back--but how soon?

"When air he comin' home, then?" she demanded.

"After another trial.... See if you can read this?"

From a long envelope the lawyer took a piece of paper. Tess examined it
carefully for some moments. Young eyeing her with a sense of happiness.
He would fight for this child as man never before fought for woman. She
would love him out of gratitude if for nothing else. He took the paper
she was holding out to him.

"Can't read a damn word--can't read writin' anyway. Tell me what it says
about Daddy."

"It's a list of names," replied Young, "mostly members--"

"Of Graves' church?" put in