the kill drew near. That's the way I feel."     

       "Oh, thank you! Thank you! But what am I saying? Why should I permit you to do this for me? I meant to go back there and have it over with. I know I can't escape. It will have to come, it is bound to come. Why put it off? Let them take me, let them do what they will with me. I—"     

       "Hush! We'll see. First of all, understand me: I shall not turn you over to the police. I will give you the chance. I will help you. I can do no more than that."     

       "But why should you help me? I—I—Oh, I can't let you do it! You do not understand. I—have—committed—a—terrible—"       she broke off with a groan.     

       "I understand," said the other, something like grimness in her level tones. "I have been tempted more than once myself." The enigmatic remark made no impression on the listener.     

       "I wonder how long ago it was that it all happened," muttered the girl, as if to herself. "It seems ages,—oh, such ages."     

       "Where have you been hiding since last night?" asked Mrs. Wrandall, throwing in the clutch. The car started forward with a jerk, kicking up the snow behind it.     

       "Was it only last night? Oh, I've been—" The thought of her sufferings from exposure and dread was too much for the wretched creature. She broke out in a soft wail.     

       "You've been out in all this weather?" demanded the other.     

       "I lost my way. In the hills back there. I don't know where I was."     

       "Had you no place of shelter?"     

       "Where could I seek shelter? I spent the day in the cellar of a farmer's house. He didn't know I was there. I have had no food."     

       "Why did you kill that man?"     

       "There was nothing left for me to do but that."     

       "And why did you rob him?"     

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