The next morning Ishmael went to see his client. He showed her the absolute necessity of submission to the writ of habeas corpus; he promised to use his utmost skill in her case; urged her to trust the result with her Heavenly Father; and encouraged her to hope for success.
She followed Ishmael's advice; she promised to obey the order, adding:
"It will be on Wednesday in Easter week. That will be fortunate, as the school will have a holiday, and I shall be able to attend without neglecting the work that brings us bread."
"Are the children far away? Can you get them without inconvenience in so short a time?" inquired Ishmael.
"Oh, yes; they are in the country, with a good honest couple named Gray, who were here on the Christmas holidays, and boarded with my aunt, who keeps the Farmer's Rest, near the Center Market. My aunt recommended them to me, and when I saw the man I felt as if I could have trusted uncounted gold with him—he looked so true! He and his wife took my three little girls home with them, and would not take a cent of pay; and they have kept my secret religiously."
"They have indeed!" said Ishmael, in astonishment; "for they are my near relatives and never even told me."
CHAPTER LVI.
TRIAL AND TRIUMPH.
Like most zealous, young professional men, Ishmael did a great deal more work for his first client than either custom or duty exacted of him.