Hilda looked at me with trustful eyes.

Resolute still, her face was yet that of a hunted creature.

"Thank Heaven, I have ONE friend here, at least!" she said, slowly seating herself.

"You saw me catch and conceal the needle ?" "Yes, I saw you." She drew it forth from her purse, carefully but loosely wrapped up in a small tag of tissue-paper.

"Here it is!" she said, displaying it.