When she had finished her recital, Josie burst out:
“Oh, Mary Louise, why didn’t you let me know about O’Hara sooner? I would never have caused him so much trouble.”
“Well,” said Mary Louise, “he had not proven his mettle at that time, and that makes a great difference, doesn’t it? But you see how everything has turned out for the best.”
As Josie sat on the bed, still almost unable to comprehend the amazing turn that events had taken, Mary Louise turned to her and said softly:
“Josie, dear, don’t you think it would be possible for O’Hara to arrange to repay that Boston bank in the near future, and go free in the meantime? I think he deserves the most considerate treatment.”
“I do, too!” spoke up Irene, whose admiring gaze had not shifted from Mary Louise since the latter started her narrative.
Mary Louise cast a look of gratitude on the sweet-faced girl, as Josie reflected in silence for a moment.
“Such things are done now and then,” said Josie quietly, “but only in the most extraordinary cases.”
“But this case is extraordinary!” urged Mary Louise. “Why, Josie, just think of the heroic way he managed to escape from the ranch! Even now, he is in danger of arrest because he chose to be loyal under the most difficult conditions! Could a man be anything but worthy who thinks more of his country than his own personal safety?”
Mary Louise was about to say more in behalf of Danny’s uncle when Josie placed her hand on the girl’s arm.