As for the crime of which John Mark knew, and which he held like a club over Jerry Smith, it had been purely and simply an act of self-defense.
But, to Caroline and her brother, Mark had made it seem clear that the shadow of the electric chair was before the young fellow.
Mark had worked seriously to win Caroline.

She was remarkably dexterous; she was the soul of courage; and, if he could once make her love her work, she would make him rich.

In the meantime she did very well indeed, and he strengthened his hold on her through her brother.

It was not hard to do.

If Jerry Smith was the soul of recklessness, he was the soul of honor, also, in many ways.