Mrs. Challoner shivered at the prosecutor's earnestness; but Challoner, hesitating for a moment only, advanced and said:—
"We'll take it. I'm not a bit afraid now, Murgatroyd—for I know." And then holding out his hand, he continued kindly: "Billy, if you hadn't taken it—where would I have been to-day?"
"Free—free as you are now," said the other man in a low, strained tone.
"Yes," assented Challoner, "out of prison, but——"
Mrs. Challoner quickly rose and put an end to the conversation going on between the men.
"Come, Laurie," she said abruptly; and holding out her hand, "good-bye, Mr. Murgatroyd! I'm afraid we have taken up altogether too much of your time."
Murgatroyd shook hands with the Challoners; but on Shirley making her adieus, he said:—
"May I have a moment with you, Miss Bloodgood? Won't you wait, please?"
Mrs. Challoner answered for the girl:—
"Shirley, don't be in any hurry. Laurie and I will wait for you in the ante-room—" And as they passed out Challoner called: "Wait until you see that concrete hospital, Murgatroyd!"