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THE CAPTAIN MAKES A DISTINCTION ^^

were thin, and I couldn't sleep much, so I heard most everything that was going on, out o' doors and in. And one night by the help of the good Lord I overheard a voice that I knew was Sam's. He was telling a pal that he was hunting his runaway wife. He said she had stolen his babies, and he meant to get 'em, dead or alive."

"I thought you'd led him off on an altogether different scent," exclaimed Jean.

"So did I. But it appears that his mother got on the scent somehow, and betrayed me. I don't know why she did it, for she was over-anxious to be rid of the children. But I suppose she was moved by an impulse of spite or revenge. I heard Sam say he'd overhaul us at Quincy, so I had good reason to change my route."

"You had a close call, Mrs. O'Dowd!" exclaimed the Captain, earnestly. "I don't know as he could have put me in limbo for harboring you, but he could have made it go hard with me for hiding the children. I hate a law-breaker; but what is a fellow to do in such a case?"

"God has been merciful to me, Squire. I felt all along that I would get away safe and sound."

"Wouldn't God have done a better job to have saved you in the first place?" asked the Captain, dryly.

"How did you get money to pay your travelling expenses?" asked Mary.

"I've a confession to make to you and Mrs. Ranger, Captain. Will you promise not to scold?"

"I'll know better what to promise after I've learned the provocation. Don't be afraid to tell the truth. Speak out. Don't mind the gals."

"I stole three hundred dollars—it was my own money — from Mother O'Dowd," she whispered. "It didn't seem so very wicked. She got my home without any equivalent, you know."

"Oh, Sally! How could you?" asked Mrs. Ranger, her cheeks blanching.