Graciella's information had not been without its
effect, and when Caxton suggested that he could still secure bail, he
had little difficulty in inducing Ben to accept Colonel French's
friendly offices. The bail bond was made out and signed, and the
prisoner released.
Caxton took Ben to his office after the hearing. There Ben met the
colonel, thanked him for his aid and friendship, and apologised for
his former rudeness.
"I was in a bad way, sir," he said, "and hardly knew what I was doing.
But I know I didn't shoot Bark Fetters, and never thought of such a
thing."
"I'm sure you didn't, my boy," said the colonel, laying his hand, in
familiar fashion, upon the young fellow's shoulder, "and we'll prove
it before we quit. There are some ladies who believe the same thing,
and would like to hear you say it."
"Thank you, sir," said Ben. "I should like to tell them, but I
shouldn't want to enter their house until I am cleared of this charge.
I think too much of them to expose them to any remarks about
harbouring a man out on bail for a penitentiary offense. I'll write to
them, sir, and thank them for their trust and friendship, and you can
tell them for me, if you will, that I'll come to see them when not
only I, but everybody else, can say that I am fit to go."
"Your feelings do you credit," returned the colonel warmly, "and
however much they would like to see you, I'm sure the ladies will
appreciate your delicacy. As your friend and theirs, you must permit
me to serve you further, whenever the opportunity offers, until this
affair is finished.
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