"Liberty first, then——" he said half-aloud; and turning to his daughter, whose presence for the moment he had forgotten, he added: "Isn't it more than bedtime, child? You must be mighty tired, little girl. You're a mighty loyal one, anyhow."
Leslie held out her hand to Colonel Morehead.
"Don't worry, my girl," said the Colonel, kindly, "it's going to come out all right. I feel it, somehow, and I know you do, too. Good-night!"
But the Colonel's words did not banish the look of worriment on Leslie's face; and going over to her father, now, she clung to him insistently, pressing her flushed face against his breast, saying:
"Father, you're not going to leave me to-night?"
"Not for many nights," he answered, patting her head; and a moment after, Leslie withdrew.
For a brief ten minutes the client and his attorney waited in silence. Suddenly, then, Morehead stepped to a door and opened it, and a man came in.
It cannot be said that the newcomer was wanting in self-possession, and his bow to Morehead was one of respect. But that he stood in awe of Wilkinson, his manner while awaiting orders gave ample evidence.
"Sit down, Phillips," said Wilkinson. "Have a cigar?"
Governor Beekman's secretary helped himself to a cigar, and in fact, made himself quite at home.