The two went out of the store together and closed the door softly behind them. Janice could not help glancing across at the lighted front windows of Mrs. Beaseley's cottage.
"There's trouble over yonder," said young Bowman gently. "I went in to see him after supper. He said you'd been there to help him buck up, Janice. Really, you're a wonderful girl."
"I'm sorry," sighed Janice.
"What?" cried Frank.
"Yes. I am sorry if I am wonderful. If I were not considered so, then not so many unpleasant duties would fall my way."
Frank laughed at that. "I guess you're right," he said. "Those that seem to be able to bear the burdens of life certainly have them to bear. But poor Nelson needs somebody to hold up his hands, as it were. He's up against it for fair, Janice."
"Oh! I can't believe that the committee will continue this persecution, when they come to think it over," the girl cried.
"It doesn't matter whether they do or not, I fear," Bowman said, with conviction. "The harm is done. He's been accused."
"Oh, dear me! I know it," groaned Janice.
"And unless he is proved innocent, Nelson Haley is bound to have trouble here in Polktown."