There could be no shadow of doubt in her mind that this dearest friend of hers, sitting beside her in the twilight, was guilty of the crime he had confessed.

But she could not as yet dwell upon the crime.

He was in imminent peril; and his peril threatened the welfare of nearly all whom she loved.

Ruin and infamy for him meant ruin and infamy for them all.

She must save him if possible.
"Phebe," he said, breaking the dreary silence, "I ought to tell you one thing more.