To him it was a most astonishing situation. In New York, where folks were sharply divided into the sheep and the goats, it would have been easily solved; one would have merely rung for the police. But here, where everything seemed to go by contraries, anything might happen. Accordingly, he looked at her and waited.
But she did not answer his unspoken question. She was looking at him, yes, with wide, distressed eyes. But he felt, without understanding, that she was looking across that queer situation. He had a sudden, vivid suspicion that he was on trial in her mind instead of the Three. He was certain of it when she spoke.
“What would you do?”
Ten days ago he would undoubtedly have viewed the case under his previous lights and have pronounced it one for the police. Now he answered from the larger charity that belonged to the land: “You remember what you said yesterday and repeated a moment ago—under the same circumstances we might have done the same thing? It isn’t what they were; it’s what they are that counts.”
“Oh, I knew you would say it!” She impulsively thrust out her hand, and as the small, firm fingers locked with his in a strong grip, he knew that not only had he emerged victorious, but also that his answer had established between them a real bond. Eyes shining, she ran on: “They saved my life, helped to nurse my father, have been so kind and good and dear! If they had been the vilest criminals it would make no difference to me. They are my people, my men!”
“Of course they are!” Gordon cordially agreed. “Now what about these fellows? What will you tell them?”
Doubt clouded her shining enthusiasm. “I don’t quite know. What do you think would be best?”
“The truth. If what they say is true, and we believe it is, they can’t be bluffed. But it won’t do to have them believe you knew nothing of this. I’d hint that though you were not acquainted with the details, you were perfectly aware of your servants’ past, but that they are now leading honorable lives. Clinch it by adding that you hope they will do half as well with their chance.”
“Fine!” Her face lit up again, and when, having put it all into Spanish for the thieves, they went outside, she thanked him for the counsel. “I knew you could help me. Now just one more thing—this is all between you and me. No one else must ever know—especially them.”
“We’ll forget it ourselves.”