“Miss Standish, listen to me,” and Arkwright went close to her; “now the law has left you in the charge of your cousin. Mr. George Benson was left by the terms of your grandfather’s will, the one trustee who should look after you personally. I suppose if he had known that you did not want to be with him your relative would have changed his wishes, but now that he is dead you will have to be satisfied with the arrangements, and as far as this man is concerned,” pointing to Tom, “I know him to be an escaped convict, and I shall have to ask him to accompany me.”
“I am this young lady’s guardian,” put in Tom obstinately.
“Self-appointed,” sneered Arkwright, “but that will not hold. Then, too, you will be in a cell before night.”
“Oh, no, no, Tom, tell me all about it, sweetheart.”
“I will, Nellie, and remember what I am telling you is as true as my love for you. I was arrested for a crime which I did not commit. I did not steal your grandfather’s jewels, and that man knows it.”
He brought out the last words with a jerk, and pointed his finger at Benson.
George started toward him, but Arkwright detained him.
“I believe you, Tom,” said Nellie simply, “and as long as I live I shall believe you are innocent.”
“But that will not prevent your going with your cousin.” The detective said this as he fastened the bracelets upon Tom’s wrists.
“I won’t go unless Biddy can go, too.”