“Very likely,” nodded Captain Portman.
“Dear me, I must hurry on with my story, or I shall be too late to do any good!” exclaimed the fair visitor. “Well, my brother is determined that you shall be arrested, too, Mr. Wolf. He insists that you were concerned in the assault. They have gone to find an officer now. Tommy says he shall prevent your running that steamboat this afternoon, and perhaps for a week; and this is really what my brother wants to do, so far as you are concerned, Mr. Wolf.”
Was this all? And Miss Grace had not been driven from her home by the persecution of her father and brother! Tommy had not even struck her again! I was really glad, when I came to think of it, that the matter was no worse. If I had no opportunity to do desperate deeds in the service of my beautiful friend, I had the consolation of knowing that there was no occasion for any. I was happy to realize that peace reigned in the great mansion.
When my anxiety for Grace would permit me to think of myself, I appreciated the obligation under which she had placed me by this timely warning. I was willing to be arrested for my agency in expelling Tommy from the train, for, being entirely innocent, I could afford to face my accusers.
“Now, what will you do, Mr. Wolf?” asked Grace, beginning to be much agitated again.
“First, I shall be under everlasting obligations to you for your kindness in taking all this trouble on my account.”
“Never mind that, Mr. Wolf,” she said, blushing. “I know you had nothing to do with injuring my brother, and I do not want you to suffer for this, or to have your steamboat stopped for nothing. The constable and Tommy are going to wait for you at the corner of the street,” she added, indicating the place where I was to be captured. “You must go some other way.”
“I will, Miss Grace.”
“And I will go and throw myself into the hands of the Philistines at once,” added Captain Portman, laughing.
“I suppose they can’t hurt you, sir,” said Grace.