She had caught a peculiar look in his face the last time she entered Wolf's office. Could it be possible he was in love with her in the helpless, heroic, boy fashion of his age? She would put him to the test. It was worth trying.
She found him on guard in the corridor outside Wolf's door, approached him cautiously, touched his hand timidly, and whispered:
"Jimmy, I'm in great distress."
"I wish I could help you, Miss Barbara," he answered in low, earnest tones, sweeping the corridor with a quick look.
"Even at the risk of your life?"
"I'd jump at the chance to die for you!" was the simple answer.
Barbara's voice choked and her little hand caught the boy's gratefully. His conquest was too easy, his love too big and generous! "I wish I could do it, Jimmy, without letting you risk your life, but I must see Norman."
"I'll help you if I can, Miss Barbara, but I don't know how. The jailer won't let me in without an order from the regent."
"I'll go in now," she went on, "get a piece of paper from his desk, forge the order, and sign his name. I can imitate his handwriting. I'll give it to you immediately, and watch until you get back to your post."
"I'll do it!" the boy answered, his eyes shining.