The canoe-maker heard my story in silence and shook his head.
"It is impossible; we should only get into deeper trouble. I have no great faith in this resemblance. It may have worked once on young Gillespie, but women have sharper eyes."
"But it must be tried!" I pleaded. "We are approaching the end of these troubles, and nothing must be allowed to interfere. Your sister wishes to see you; this is her birthday."
"So it is! So it is!" exclaimed the canoe-maker with feeling.
"Helen must be saved from her own folly. Her aunt must not know of this latest exploit; it would ruin everything."
As we debated Rosalind joined her persuasions to mine.
"Aunt Pat must not know what Helen has done if we can help it," she said.
While she changed her clothes I talked on at the house-boat with her father.
"My sister has asked for me?"
"Yes; your sister is ready to settle with Henry; but she wishes to see you first. She has begged me to find you; but Helen must go back to her aunt. This fraudulent kidnapping must never be known to Miss Pat. And on the other hand, I hope it may not be necessary for Helen to know the truth about her father."