I know I was. And you
had that hard pull on the river besides."
He watched her furtively, trying to catch some cue as to her attitude
and mood.
"You're a heroine, that's what you are, Frona," he began again, with
exuberance. "And not only did you save the mail-man, but by the delay
you wrought in the trial you saved me. If one more witness had gone on
the stand that first day, I should have been duly hanged before Gow put
in an appearance. Fine chap, Gow. Too bad he's going to die."
"I am glad that I could be of help," she replied, wondering the while
what she could say.
"And of course I am to be congratulated--"
"Your trial is hardly a thing for congratulation," she spoke up
quickly, looking him straight in the eyes for the moment. "I am glad
that it came out as it did, but surely you cannot expect me to
congratulate you."
"O-o-o," with long-drawn inflection. "So that's where it pinches." He
smiled good-humoredly, and moved as though to sit down, but she made no
room for him, and he remained standing. "I can certainly explain. If
there have been women--"
Frona had been clinching her hand nervously, but at the word burst out
in laughter.
"Women?" she queried. "Women?" she repeated. "Do not be ridiculous,
Gregory."
"After the way you stood by me through the trial," he began,
reproachfully, "I thought--"
"Oh, you do not understand," she said, hopelessly.
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