und and brought back to New York, the coroner might begin his
investigations at once and proceed with other witnesses. In that event
the name of Tescheron would undoubtedly be dragged into the case, but if
the family kept out of the State they could not be made to testify. In
Mr. Tescheron's judgment, therefore, it was wise to spend a few weeks
well out of the way until they were certain the affair had been
forgotten.

"Mother, I think the change may do us good, if we don't take father too
seriously," said Gabrielle, "and if you can find enough to occupy
yourself until some favorable suggestion changes father's course, and he
is seized by a desire to return home, I shall be happy. Aren't you
getting tired of the company of these stuffed birds, though? I shall
send your parrot over to-morrow and have Bridget come to talk over the
housekeeping affairs with you, shall I?"

"No, dear; we shall be happy enough with these silent birds for a while
yet. Alas! if it is true that the officials want us--and it must be
true, as Bridget and Mr. King have both written--"

"Don't worry about that, mother; you will be just as proud of Mr. Hosley
some day as I am. Oh, he is so brave! Think how he rescued his
companion, Ben Hopkins, and then fell blinded by the flames. What a
terrible fall that was, mother! just twice the height of this
building--you really cannot imagine it. Do rogues show such heroism? I
tell you, mother, you'll find, one of these brighter days, that James
Hosley is a great, big-hearted hero, as far above these petty attacks on
his character, so readily believed by father, as the mountains are above
the sea. He has nothing to fear. Remember, a cruel fate struck him down
at the very moment he might have explained away every circumstance to
which father attaches weight, merely by stating the truth. Mother, I
have never doubted my hero!"

"Yes, my dear child, you are right. I feel that you are. Forgive me for
expressing that shadow of doubt; it is now gone. I am thankful that God
led your footsteps to his bedside, where you might help to rescue him
and his companion. I am indeed proud of you, Gabrielle. How greatly I am
blessed by you every minute!" And the dear old soul cried, her heart
welling with love for her daughter, her confidante and support.

Then Gabrielle knelt at her mother's side and buried her face in her
mother's lap, her tears flowing in sympathetic response to this
declaration of maternal faith.

I