I would tell the story exactly as I knew it, concealing nothing, and adding no unnecessary word, outline my plan of action, and then leave them to decide what they thought best to do.
This was the simple, sensible way, and I had implicit faith that they would accept my statement, and believe my offer of assistance an honest one.

I could not perceive how they could do otherwise.

Strange, unbelievable as the situation was, proof was not lacking.

Delia could be compelled to acknowledge that Rene was her child--she would scarcely dare deny this truth in face of my positive knowledge--and she, at least, must know that Judge Beaucaire had never during his lifetime given her her freedom.

This fact could be established beyond question, and then they must surely all comprehend the necessity of immediate flight--that there remained no other possible means of escape from hopeless slavery.