d fellow like me."

"Yes, there is. I have my opinion of a woman who wouldn't dote on a
man that's been such a friend as you have."

"Oh, hang it all, Tom! Let's talk about business. She's too
grateful--that's what worries me. By the way she took hold and filled
the house with comfort she made everything even from the start. She's
been as good a friend to me as I to her. She's done all she agreed and
more, and I'll never hear a word against her. The point I've been
trying to get at is this: If Mrs. Mumpson will agree never to come near
us or make trouble in any way, we'll take the child. If she won't so
agree, I'll have nothing to do with the girl. I don't want to see her
mother, and you'd do me one of the kindest turns you ever did a man by
stating the case to her."

"If I do," said Watterly, laughing, "you'll have to forgive me
everything in the past and the future."

"I will, Tom, for I'd rather have an eye tooth pulled than face that
woman. We're all right--just as we used to be at school, always half
quarreling, yet ready to stand up for each other to the last drop. But
I must have her promise in black and white."

"Well, come to my office and we'll try to arrange it. The law is on
your side, for the county won't support people that anyone will take
off its hands. Besides I'm going to shame the woman's relations into
taking her away, and they'll be glad there's one less to support."

They drew up a brief, strong agreement, and Watterly took it to the
widow to sign. He found her in great excitement and Jane looking at
her defiantly. "I told you he was the one who enticed away my
offspring," she began, almost hysterically. "He's a cold-blooded
villain! If there's a law in the land, I'll--"

"Stop!" thundered Watterly. His voice was so high and authoritative
that she did stop, and with open mouth stared at the superintendent.
"Now, be quiet and listen to me," he continued. "Either you are a sane
woman and can stop this foolishness, or else you are insane and must be
treated as such. You have your choice. You can't tell me anything
about Holcroft; I've known him since he was a boy. He doesn't want
your girl. She ran away to him, didn't you?" to Jane, who nodded. "But
he's willing to take her, to teach her something and give her a chance.
His motive is pure kindness, and he has a good wife who'll--"

"I see it all," cried the widow, tragically clasping her hands. "It's
his wife's doings! She