The Judge winced at the last word. "Yes—yes, I know; but he might—he might—tell."
"I think Miss Tabor's influence will prevent. If it should not—well, you're not in a desperate case by any means; you're involved, but far from stripped; in time you may be as sound as ever. And if Norbert tells, there's nothing for you to do but to live it down." A faint smile played upon Joe's lips as he lifted his head and looked at the other. "It can be done, I think."
It was then that Ariel, complaining of the warmth of the evening, thought it possible that Joe might find her fan upon the porch, and as he departed, whispered hurriedly: "Judge Pike, I'm not technically in control of the Tocsin, but haven't I the right to control its policy?"
"I understand," he muttered. "You mean about Louden—about this trial—"
"That is why I have taken the paper."
"You want all that changed, you mean?"
She nodded decisively. "From this instant. Before morning."
"Oh, well, I'll go down there and give the word." He rubbed his eyes wearily with big thumbs. "I'm through fighting. I'm done. Besides, what's the use? There's nothing more to fight."
"Now, Judge," Joe said, as he came in briskly, "we'll go over the list of that unencumbered property, if you will."
This unencumbered property consisted of Beaver Beach and those other belongings of the Judge which he had not dared to mortgage. Joe had somehow explained their nature to Ariel, and these with the Tocsin she had elected to accept in restitution.