“Go ahead! I have the proof that you tried to murder me by pushing me onto the track in front of an engine, and, by the eternal skies! I’ll do my best to jail you for it if you carry out your threat! Go ahead! We’ll see who gets the worst of it!”
Then he walked swiftly away.
CHAPTER XXXII.
ON THE STAIRS.
Frank went home with a heavy heart, for he saw the black shadow of coming trouble hanging over Jack and Nellie. He was resolved to protect them to the best of his ability, but he realized at last that there was nothing like gratitude in the heart of old Joe, and there was no foretelling what the man would do.
The blind girl was sitting up on the bed, and Frank heard her singing softly before he reached the door. He entered the room gently, but she heard his step, stopped and stretched out her arms, with a glad cry. He hurried to her, exclaiming:
“Oh, yes; so much better!” she smiled. “The doctor says he’ll not have to come any more.”
“That is fine,” cried Frank, as gayly as possible. “Oh, I told you it would be all right, dear little girl.”
“Yes; I’ll be out soon.”