“This lady,” he says quietly, “and her little gal, are here by accident, and they ain’t to be mixed up in this business o’ mine. Look here, Mr. Preach—”
The Priest comes forward, and glances at him inquiringly.
“Ye can’t afford to lose yer time altogether, I s’pose, and I’ll give ye a new contract. Ye see this lady and the little gal are being scared by these cops. I want you to take ’em away. The lady’ll tell ye where to go, and don’t ye leave ’em till ye’ve seen ’em safe home.”
Without a word of comment, the Priest moves toward Leslie.
At the same instant, and with a howl of rage, Mamma rushes forward.
“Stop her!” says Franz; and one of the two witnesses lays a strong hand upon Mamma’s shoulder.
“Not just yet; I ain’t quite ready!”—[page 410].
Then the Prodigal turns to Leslie, who, with the child in her arms, has risen to her feet.