Janice nodded. Jim Narnay came to the door. His bloated, bearded face was working with emotion. He saw the tenderness with which Nelson Haley led the girl to the car.
The heavy tread of the man sounded behind the young folk as Nelson helped Janice into the car, preparing himself to drive her home.
"I say—I say, Miss Janice," stammered Narnay.
She wiped her eyes and turned quickly, in sympathy, to the broken man.
"I will surely see Mr. Middler, Mr. Narnay. And tell your wife there will be a few flowers sent down—and some other things. I—I know you will remain and be—be helpful to her, Mr. Narnay?"
"Yes, I will, Miss," said Narnay. His bleared eyes gazed first on the young girl and then on Haley. "I beg your pardon, Miss," he added.
"What is it, Mr. Narnay?" asked Janice.
"Mebbe I'd better tell it ter schoolmaster," said the man, his lips working. He drew the back of his hand across them to hide their quivering. "I know something mebbe Mr. Haley would like to hear."
"What is it, Narnay?" asked Nelson, kindly.
"I—I——I hear folks says ye stole them gold coins out of the schoolhouse."