“Not even the name she went by?”

“Oh, that was Brown.”

“Brown,” I muttered, turning for a second time to go. “You must think me inquisitive, but if I had not been,” I added with a merry laugh, “I should never have found your bonds for you.” Pressing both their hands in mine I ran hastily out of the room.

At once I crossed the street to Bess’ little shop.

[ [!-- H2 anchor --] ]

CHAPTER XXVIII. RESTITUTION

“Bess, why are you so white? What has happened to you in the last twenty-four hours? Have you heard from him?”

“No, no; I’m all right.” But her eyes, hunted and wandering, belied her words.

I drew her hands down into mine across the table lying between us.

“I want to help you,” I whispered; “I think I can. Something has happened which gives me great hope; only do me a favor first; show me, as you promised, the papers which I dug out for you.”