It was the same young man who had appeared on the bank of Bang-up Creek and saved Short and Long from the farmer’s dog. His very good looking hunting suit was now sadly torn and wrinkled. He was without a hat. There was a scratch upon his face that had drawn blood, and he was altogether rather messy looking.
He bowed gravely to Mrs. Morse. “I see,” he said, “that this young lady,” and he looked at Laura, “knows who I am. And further introduction would be unnecessary.” 208
“Ye—yes?” said Mrs. Morse, rather doubtfully.
“I pray that you will not blame Lizzie Bean. She would sacrifice herself for my safety; but I could hardly allow her to do that, don’t you know? I had an idea that that sheriff would really not come to this camp, and I could get away again after dark.”
Lil had given over any intention of screaming again. She was examining the scratched face of the strange young man with growing approval.
“Isn’t he romantic looking?” she whispered to Nellie.
“Poor fellow,” sighed the doctor’s daughter. “He doesn’t look wicked, does he?”
“He’s a regular heart-breaker when he’s dolled up, I bet,” giggled Bobby.
“It’s too bad!” murmured the Lockwood twins, in unison.
Thus did the appearance of the young man, Mr. Norman Halliday, tell upon the covey of frightened girls. Mrs. Morse herself began to recover from her disturbance of mind. This was no criminal character, for sure!