第86章

"`The best of us make mistakes, and it is well to have a change of heart sometimes.' " (Thus Eugene's successor had written, and so Mrs.Flitcroft read.) "`An open confession is good for the soul.The Tocsin has changed its mind in regard to certain matters, and means to say so freely and frankly.After yesterday's events in connection with the murder trial before our public, the evidence being now all presented, for we understand that neither side has more to offer, it is generally conceded that all good citizens are hopeful of a verdict of acquittal; and the Tocsin is a good citizen.No good citizen would willingly see an innocent man punished, and that our city is not to be disgraced by such a miscarriage of justice is due to the efforts of the attorney for the defendant, who has gained credit not only by his masterly management of this case, but by his splendid conduct in the face of danger yesterday afternoon.

He has distinguished himself so greatly that we frankly assert that our citizens may point with pride to--' " Mrs.Flitcroft's voice, at the beginning pitched to a high exultation, had gradually lowered in key and dropped down the scale till it disappeared altogether.

"It's a wonder to me," the Colonel began, "that the Tocsin doesn't go and hold Joe Louden's hand.""I'll read the rest of it for you," said Norbert, his heavy face lighting up with cruelty."Let's see--where were you? Oh yes--`point with pride'? `Our citizens may point with pride to...' "Let us not linger to observe the unmanly behavior of an aged man and his grandson left alone at the breakfast-table by a defenceless woman.

The Tocsin's right-about-face undermined others besides Mrs.Flitcroft that morning, and rejoiced greater (though not better) men than the Colonel.

Mr.Farbach and his lieutenants smiled, yet stared, amazed, wondering what had happened.That was a thing which only three people even certainly knew; yet it was very simple.

The Tocsin was part of the Judge's restitution.

"The controlling interest in the paper, together with the other property I have listed," Joe had said, studying his memoranda under the lamp in Roger's old studio, while Martin Pike listened with his head in his hands, "make up what Miss Tabor is willing to accept.As I estimate it, their total value is between a third and a half of that of the stock which belonged to her.""But this boy--this Flitcroft," said Pike, feebly;"he might--""He will do nothing," interrupted Joe."The case is `settled out of court,' and even if he were disposed to harass you, he could hardly hope to succeed, since Miss Tabor declines either to sue or to prosecute."The Judge winced at the last word."Yes--yes, I know; but he might--he might--tell.""I think Miss Tabor's influence will prevent.

If it should not--well, you're not in a desperate case by any means; you're involved, but far from stripped; in time you may be as sound as ever.

And if Norbert tells, there's nothing for you to do but to live it down." A faint smile played upon Joe's lips as he lifted his head and looked at the other."It can be done, I think."It was then that Ariel, complaining of the warmth of the evening, thought it possible that Joe might find her fan upon the porch, and as he departed, whispered hurriedly: "Judge Pike, I'm not technically in control of the Tocsin, but haven't I the right to control its policy?""I understand," he muttered."You mean about Louden--about this trial--""That is why I have taken the paper.""You want all that changed, you mean?"

She nodded decisively."From this instant.

Before morning."

"Oh, well, I'll go down there and give the word."He rubbed his eyes wearily with big thumbs.

"I'm through fighting.I'm done.Besides, what's the use? There's nothing more to fight.""Now, Judge," Joe said, as he came in briskly, "we'll go over the list of that unencumbered property, if you will."This unencumbered property consisted of Beaver Beach and those other belongings of the Judge which he had not dared to mortgage.Joe had somehow explained their nature to Ariel, and these with the Tocsin she had elected to accept in restitution.

"You told me once that I ought to look after my own property, and now I will.Don't you see?"she cried to Joe, eagerly."It's my work!" She resolutely set aside every other proposition; and this was the quality of mercy which Martin Pike found that night.