Tell me the young man's name again." "Henley--Philip Henley." "And the town ?" "Carrollton, Alabama." "And he is in prison for crime, you say--what crime ?" "Forgery, a fourteen-year sentence." "Did they tell you when he was sent there ?" "No; I believe not." "And his wife has disappeared?
They can find no trace of her ?" "So both men assured me." "And this one named Neale--are you certain he is an administrator ?" "Yes, I was shown a certified copy of the will; everything seemed to be exactly as represented." She pressed one hand to her forehead, her eyes on the ground.

I watched her, an unasked question trembling on my lips.

Suddenly she looked up again, her cheeks flushed.
"You were going to suggest that I go with you, were you not ?" she asked swiftly.

"That I play the wife's part?
Why did n't you ask it ?" "Because I lacked courage," I replied frankly, yet leaning eagerly toward her.

"I was afraid you would take such a proposition wrongly." "Then you retain some respect for me; some faith in my character ?" "I certainly do," earnestly.
"And you see nothing wrong in carrying out your part?
You mean to go to Carrollton with someone--a woman ?" "I--I agreed to the terms--yes." She drew a long breath, her eyes upon mine.
"Then I will go also," she said soberly, and held out her hand.
"You mean that ?" "Yes--why not?
Surely it is as right for me as for you.