"'Yes,' said the woman, 'I have read of it.'
"'I am on the track, and I venture to affirm that I shall eventually succeed in my purpose. I have already more than one ally. May I hope that I have gained another?'
"'I do not know,' said the woman, and though they were walking now through unlighted spaces and he could not see her face, our reporter divined from her broken tones that she was crying. 'I cannot say. All is dark before me; there is not a star in the future to light me on my way.'
"'Do not give up hope,' said our reporter. 'I am by your side to help you. You and your daughter, two women, alone in London as I understand, without a friend, can do very little, but an earnest, willing man, who has influence and means to back him up, may do much.'
"In his sincere sympathy our reporter pressed the woman's arm, and she uttered an exclamation of pain.
"'My arm has been injured,' replied the woman, biting her lip so that she should not repeat the cry; 'it has been cut to the bone.'
"'Was it recently done?--but I beg your pardon for questioning you so closely.'
"'You have the right to question me. It was done a few days ago.'
"'You are unfortunate in more ways than one.'
"'Truly, truly,' sighed the woman. 'Your voice, your words are kind, but I can think of nothing but my dear child. She is waiting for me, expecting me, listening for my footsteps on the stairs. If I could escape--if I could get away unseen!'
"'You must not dream of it; you would plunge yourself into deeper trouble; and my word is pledged.'
"'I will do all I can for you at the Police Station; if it is possible, you shall in a few minutes go to your daughter; but I must not disguise from you the chances are very small.'
"'Yes, I will try; I will stand bail for you; I can do no more just now.'
"'You have done much, more than I can repay. If they are cruel enough to detain me, how long shall I have to wait?'
"'Till to-morrow morning. You will be brought up before a magistrate.'
"'It is a terrible disgrace, a terrible, terrible disgrace! But they cannot punish me if I have done nothing wrong?'
"'No, they cannot punish you unless they can prove something against you which will render you liable.'
"'When I appear before the magistrate, will you be there?'