"I did it, though, with His assistance," said Helen, reverently.
"Whose assistance?" and McGinnis glared about him, as he asked the question, in an alarmed tone.
"His!" and Helen pointed upward as she uttered the one word in a solemn tone.
"Oh!" in a relieved tone, and the villain then laughed harshly.
He stayed by Helen while she was eating, and his evil eyes were lighted with admiration as they rested on her.
"I say," he remarked, when she had finished eating—"I say, you're a trump, even though you be such a young gal."
Helen's puzzled look was evidence that she did not comprehend at what he was driving.
"You're a smart one, too," said McGinnis. "And I think it's blamed tough on you to pen you in here."
"Then why did you do so?" demanded Helen.
"Orders, my sweet, orders—and orders must be obeyed. But, I say, how'd you like to take the place of the old woman up-stairs? You're a piece of good stuff, you are, and with a little edication, could take the shine out of any crooked woman I ever seen. As for the old crow up-stairs, jist say the word, and I'll put her out of the way, after which, orders or no orders, I'll take you outer this place."