Colin had evidently been studying her face.
'I'm afraid I should fail in my duty for your sake, Sheilah,' he said, after a moment's pause. 'But, my cousin, you know more than you are telling me. Sheilah! I see it all; Jim is here!'
Sheilah must have felt that she could trust him, for she answered,—
'You are right. He is here. Colin, you will not act against him?'
'Have I not told you I shall not! But remember, Sheilah, this will cost me my position. I shall send in my resignation to-morrow.'
At this I walked out, and Colin stared; but did not say that he was glad to see me.
'Jim,' my wife said, 'everything is prepared; you must go. Colin is your friend, you can trust him. Now come. Every moment you are here increases your danger.'
I went over to Colin McLeod and looked him in the face.
'McLeod,' I said, 'you are acting the part of a brave and true man. God bless you for it. Tell me one thing, do you believe me guilty of the charge upon which I was convicted?'