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And Lorimer Lane might have felt his opinion verified if he could have heard a conversation that ensued soon after his departure.

It was over the telephone, and Pearl Jane held the receiver at one end.

At the other end was a man, who said a joyful “Yes!” in response to her query, “Is that you, Tommy?”

“Can we have a long talk?” Pearl Jane asked.

“No, dear, I can only say a few words to you. Things are happening and I don’t know what the future holds. Tell me this, my little girl—can you keep faith and trust in me whatever happens?”

“Yes, Tommy, whatever happens.”

“But what happens may surprise you beyond all bounds.”

“My faith and trust are beyond all bounds.”

“Bless you, dear heart. Yet what you learn may cause you to despise me”

“No—not that. If you love me—if you want me—I am your Pearl Jane forever—whether we ever meet again or not.”

“All right, sweetheart, then, remember this. When you hear—as you may, the most astonishing news—remember that I love you, I—I love you!”

“Why do you emphasize the I? There is no one in the world for me, but the man you call I. My Tommy—my own Tommy Locke.”

“Yes—Pearl Jane—your own Tommy Locke. Good-by, sweetheart, I daren’t stay longer. Trust me through all mysteries, and some day we can be happy together.

“Really, Tommy?”

“Really, dear. Good-by.

Pearl Jane was bewildered, but happy. Tommy was in explicable, but she knew—she knew he was no murderer,