Happily, she had an answer.

"Judge Ostrander, I had a reason for that too; and, like my point,
it is a good one. But do not ask me for it to-night. To-morrow I
will tell you everything. But it will have to be in the place I
have mentioned. Will you come to the bluff where the ruins are
one-half hour before sunset? Please, be exact as to the time. You
will see why, if you come."

He leaned across the table--they were on opposite sides of it--and
plunging his eyes into hers stood so, while the clock ticked out
one slow minute more, then he drew back, and remarking with an
aspect of gloom but with much less appearance of distrust:

"A very odd request, madam. I hope you have good reason for it;"
adding, "I bury Bela to-morrow and the cemetery is in this
direction. I will meet you where you say and at the hour you
name."

And, regarding him closely as he spoke, she saw that for all the
correctness of his manner and the bow of respectful courtesy with
which he instantly withdrew, that deep would be his anger and
unquestionable the results to her if she failed to satisfy him at
this meeting of the value of her POINT in reawakening justice and
changing public opinion.




IX