"They can't do anything to us, Paula," said Tod. "We shall be all right. They must be punished as a warning to others— I don't feel so hard against Marsh—but Cooley—he's the real criminal."
"He must go to prison," insisted Mr. Ricaby. "Marsh is only a figurehead—but Cooley represents the System—an iniquitous organization of crooks——"
"What do I care for the System and warning to others if he is to suffer, too?" retorted Paula. "No, I—I care only for——"
She stopped suddenly, and her face flushed and then turned pale. She realized that she was betraying herself, but Tod had heard the exclamation. Silently he pressed her hand and she returned the pressure. Without exchanging a word they understood each other.
"Mr. Chase," said Mr. Ricaby, "will you pardon me a moment? I wish to speak to Miss Marsh alone."
"Certainly," he replied. "Come, mother, we'll prosecute those men, and she will appear against them. Wait out there——"
"Do whatever you think is right, Mr. Ricaby," said Mrs. Marsh.
"Whatever is right," he echoed; "that shall be to them——"
When they had disappeared, Paula said quickly: