"Her father is"—
"Philip Hardin," falters the woman, whose stately head is now bowed in her hands.
"I'll protect that child. She shall never want a friend, if you do one thing," Joe falters.
Natalie raises a white face to his.
"What is it?" she huskily whispers.
"Will you swear, in open court, which of these two girls is your own child, if I ask you to?" He is eager and pleading.
She reads his very soul. She hesitates. "And you will protect the innocent girl, against his wrath?" There is all a mother's love in her appeal.
"Both of you. I swear it. You shall not want for money or protection," Joe solemnly says.
"Then, I will!" Natalie firmly answers.
He springs to her side.