He turned to the girl then, as Preston still stood speechless.
"I am rather glad than otherwise," the officer said kindly, "that this has come up in your presence, Miss Varris. Ugly stories have connected you with connivance, at least, in this man's crimes. I do not credit them at all, my dear young lady. I would rather hold that one who has done all that is proved against him would not stick at harming even you, if it furthered his purpose. I am told that you merely met him while travelling this summer, and, therefore, you have done nothing more reprehensible than follow the dangerous practice of your country in making friends with one concerning whom you could know nothing. Therefore, I am glad, for your protection, that this has come up before you so that you can now govern yourself accordingly."
He waited a moment, as though he expected the girl to reply. Her face went white and then red as she looked at Preston. He had
291
