He must be saved. And she must do it; for, was not
she the sole depository of the terrible secret? Her father was not
suspected; and never should be, if by any foresight or any exertions
of her own she could prevent it.
She did not know how Jem was to be saved, while her father was also
to be considered innocent. It would require much thought and much
prudence. But with the call upon her exertions, and her various
qualities of judgment and discretion, came the answering
consciousness of innate power to meet the emergency. Every step
now, nay, the employment of every minute was of consequence; for you
must remember she had learnt at Miss Simmonds' the probability that
the murderer would be brought to trial the next week. And you must
remember, too, that never was so young a girl so friendless, or so
penniless, as Mary was at this time. But the lion accompanied Una
through the wilderness and the danger; and so will a high, resolved
purpose of right-doing ever guard and accompany the helpless.
It struck two; deep, mirk night.
It was of no use bewildering herself with plans this weary, endless
night.
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