Minnie helped them when she could, but she was very shy and afraid of being in the way. Daniel Moore and Miss Campbell sat near the stove talking in low voices. Miss Campbell had related to him the story of their chance meeting with Evelyn Stone. Occasionally Jim Bowles came and stood in the doorway. There was an expression in his eyes half wistful and half amused as he regarded these unusual activities in his home.
“Invite Jim and Minnie to supper,” whispered Daniel Moore, “if you want to bind them to you with hoops of steel.”
It was never very difficult for the little lady to be charming, and having won over Minnie she had somewhat overcome her fears.
“Mr. Bowles,” she said with a graciousness that fairly captivated the brigand, “we cannot take possession of your house unless you promise to join us at supper. Will you sit here by me, and Minnie, you would rather sit with the girls, that is quite plain? Come, Mr. Moore.”
There was not room for all the party at the table, however, and Minnie ate her supper with Billie and Nancy on a bench by the stove.
With a sheepish smile on his face Jim Bowles sat down obediently at the table and for the first time in his life engaged in an agreeable conversation on terms of equality with a real lady.
“If everybody was as nice as you, ma’am,” he said, “I think I would be willing to—to—well, give all this up. It’s excitin’ but it’s dangerous, and it ain’t respectable.”
“Mr. Bowles,” said Miss Helen, “I believe you are an honest man at heart. No man could have such a devoted wife and not have some good in him. The moment you decide to give up this—this wild life and are looking for honest employment, I shall be glad to help you. There is my card. I have only one thing to ask in return: that you see us safely through the mountains to-morrow.”
“Granted!” cried Jim, taking the card she offered.
Minnie, who had left the bench and was standing near Miss Campbell’s chair, with a rapt expression on her face, cried out fiercely: