So many things might happen to save Arthur, to save Carmel, to save the little woman before me.

I would trust that future, temporise a bit and give such advice as would relieve us both from immediate fear without compromising Arthur's undoubted rights to justice.
Meanwhile, Ella Fulton had become distracted by new fears.

The sound of sleigh-bells could be heard on the hill.

It might be her father.

Should she try to reach the house, or hide her small body, like a trapped animal's, on the dark side of the hedge?
I was conscious of her thoughts, shared her uncertainties, notwithstanding the struggle then going on in my own mind.