"Then you don't know him."
"I never knew him to ask another to defend him."
"He never asked me to defend him. I merely thought that if you knew the truth, you might help him."
"I? How?"
"It is for you to find a way. He has met with opposition and treachery at every step; I think it is time some one came to his aid."
"He has had your assistance at all times, has he not?"
"I have tried to help wherever I could, but—I haven't your power."
Mildred shrugged her shoulders. "You even went to Seattle to help him, did you not?"
"I went there on my own business."
"Why do you take such an interest in Mr. Emerson's affairs, may I ask?"