"I started to walk, and forgot how late it was, Ruth."
Mr. Stuart, who had come into the hall in time to hear the conversation and noting how tired Bab looked, said:
"Come to dinner now, and Barbara can tell us things later."
When dinner was over and they were seated around the library fire, Barbara turned to Mr. Stuart and said:
"I can tell you the name of the man who's fighting you and Mr. Presby, Mr. Stuart. Will the knowledge do you any good?"
"You, Barbara! How can you know this? It would have helped a month ago, my girl; I fear it is too late now."
Bab's heart sank. Was what she had done—and it had been hard for a girl to do—in vain?
"Why does Mr. Nathan Bonner hate you?"
"Nathan Bonner started, a green boy, as a clerk in my office. I thought him worthy and helped him, but finally found it necessary to dismiss him."
"Yes, he's crooked," said Barbara. Mr. Stuart started and looked at the girl in amazement; so she settled back and told him the story of the trip to Chicago in detail. "He mentioned your name, Mr. Stuart. He also said that because I had saved his life, he would assist me if I ever needed aid. To-day he refused."