"But he won't dare do anything to Ben. He is frightened almost to death of the Stubbles."
"I know he is, and for that reason I want your assistance."
"What can I do?" Jean asked in surprise.
"You can tell what Ben did to you at Long Wharf. That will prove what a villain he really is. Why, he intended to drown you that night, and he would have succeeded if I had not happened to be present. You can make your sworn statement to Squire Hawkins who can come here, so it will not be necessary for you to go to the trial."
Jean buried her face in her hands at these words and remained very silent. Douglas watched her for a few minutes, and a deep pity for this unfortunate woman came into his heart.
"Come," he urged, "won't you back me up? I have entered into this fight and need all the assistance I can get. If I am defeated, no one will dare to undertake such a thing again."
"I can't do it," Jean moaned. "Oh, I can't tell on Ben."
"Why not? He tried to drown you, and he cares for you no longer. He is a menace to the whole community."
"I know it, I know it," the girl sobbed. "But I shall never tell on
Ben, no, never."
"But he has ruined your whole life, remember, and he may ruin others as innocent as you were, if he is not stopped. Think of that."