ested an unusual anxiety, for none of his inquiries
had received satisfactory replies. Hygeia reported that I was slowly
gaining--but very, very slowly, and could not be disturbed, not even by
my brother who had called. None of Jim's folks had been down from the
North to see him, as he had written them with his own hand that he would
soon be out again. This made it clear to them that he was safe.

"Gabrielle, I must see Ben the minute the doctors say he is well
enough," declared Jim. "Why, it is nonsense to suspect him. That fellow
is my best friend; never mind what you think, you will find him loyal to
me. I must see him. What will he think of me?"

"You are not well enough to manage your own affairs, Jim; believe me,
you are not. I want you to give over everything into my hands and let me
be your guide. Please do as I say."

She had early outlined to him the grounds for her father's suspicions,
but said nothing concerning the Browning case. She emphasized my action
which had frightened her father, but did not go into details, for Jim
was too weak to stand the mental strain she feared might be imposed on
him if he were to enter into a discussion of the matters her father had
told her were conclusive evidence that Jim was a notorious criminal. It
was all too ridiculous for her to believe. Her father laid great stress
on the fact that Hosley had left for parts unknown, fearing to face his
accusers, as corroborative of the other evidence supplied by the
detectives, including his long criminal record and photographs from the
Rogues' Gallery. This made it seem all the more ridiculous. Not a
suspicion concerning Jim had ever entered her mind. Her knowledge of her
father's obstinacy, and the evil influences surrounding him, were all
the protection Jim needed. His enemies counted for him.

"Well, I suppose I shall have to do as you say, Gabrielle," said Jim,
"but Ben is a good friend of mine, and it may hurt him to find I am
neglecting him."

"That will come out all right, Jim. If he is a friend we shall probably
learn of it as soon as he regains control of himself. He may say
something about you to the nurse. If he is friendly I will talk with him
first, and then we shall learn just where he stands in this matter.
Perhaps when we hear what he says we shall be glad we kept him in
ignorance of you."

That day when my head appeared to be perfectly clear for the first time,
and I began to ask questions, Hygeia hurried into