"Let me bring 'im, sir," she entreated. "I'll get 'im. Please let me!"
Charmed by her beauty and the sweetness of her voice, the sheriff glanced doubtfully from the frowning elder to the lawyer.
"Mebbe it isn't quite regular, but if Mr. Young says it'll be alright, I'm willing," he decided finally.
Young nodded, and Tess rose and started toward the stairs. Passing Sandy and Waldstricker, she had to draw aside her skirts to avoid touching them.
The dwarf, seated on the floor beside Boy, was mending a train of cars when Tessibel's white face appeared at the door.
"Andy," she said, trying to speak calmly. "Remember about the hands stronger'n Waldstricker's? Nobody can hurt you. But—but—"
At her hesitation the little man scrambled to his feet. He'd heard men's voices from the room below but had paid no particular attention. Now, he knew the long-dreaded calamity'd happened. He looked pitifully up at the speaker.
"They've come for me?" he gasped.
"Yes, dear, and you must go. But remember all the time, God's hands're stronger'n Waldstricker's," repeated Tess. "Nothing can hurt you.... Come, dear."
A few moments later, the three of them entered the living room, but stopped short at the sound of the elder's angry voice.