Page:Frank Packard - Greater Love Hath No Man.djvu/140

 as I have told you before, will be appreciated by both my mother and myself. What do you intend to do for him?"

"Well," Warden Rand said genially, "I suppose the doctor here would prescribe plenty of fresh air, sunshine and light work—eh, doctor?" "I would," agreed Doctor Kreelmar with emphasis. "That's just what he'll need—and he's earned it."

"Just so," smiled Warden Rand. "Well then, we'll make a trusty of him, and let him look after my garden this summer—that'll keep him outdoors all day and won't be very arduous."

"A trusty—over there in the garden!" echoed Merton blankly. "Do—do you think that would be wise?"

Warden Rand's eyebrows went up a little in surprise. Doctor Kreelmar looked sharply at Merton.

"Wise?" repeated Warden Rand questioningly.

"Perhaps I should have said safe," said Merton hastily. "That is what I really meant. Of course, I'm interested, deeply interested, in Varge's welfare; but, equally, I—I cannot forget what he has done—what he is. I was thinking of Miss Rand. Do you think it would be safe for her to have a man around there day after day without any guard to watch him who—who has—who is a murderer?"

"I don't think Miss Rand has anything to fear from a man who will offer his life to save another toward whom he has little cause to bear any goodwill," remarked Doctor Kreelmar caustically.

With a quick, startled glance, Merton swept the doctor's face.