"I am trying to find shelter until to-morrow morning, sir," she said. "Then I shall look for work."
But the officer would not parley with her. He grasped her by the arm, and was forcing the sobbing girl along, when he was suddenly confronted by a young man who was passing, and who had witnessed the affair.
"Officer," he said, sternly, "this is an outrage. Why do you not let that young girl go her way in peace? Why do you molest her?"
"It's my duty to run in every girl who walks the street at night, without a justifiable reason."
"Let me be responsible for this young woman," said the man. "I believe what she told you to be true—that she wants to find a place to stop until day-break, and then she will look for work."
The officer recognized the young man at once.
"If you will vouch for her," he said, "why, she can go her way, certainly."
"I think I'm a tolerably good judge of character," returned the young man, "and I see nothing in her face to mistrust. Take her to one of the missions near at hand. She can certainly stay there till morning."
The policeman made a low bow, and the young man passed on.