"And the baby looks like you, Lafe," she observed.
"Does he really?" gasped Lafe, trying to smile.
"He's got your Jew look 'round his nose," added Jinnie gravely. "You wanted him to look like you, didn't you, Lafe?"
"Sure, Jinnie. And now about Peggy? Tell me about Peggy."
"Peggy's with us, Lafe----" Jinnie stopped and drew a long breath. "What'd you think? Oh--guess!"
"I couldn't! Tell me, Jinnie! Don't keep me waitin' for good things."
"Peggy's in the 'Happy in Spite', and I'm learning her all the verses you taught me."
Then Lafe's head dropped on his hands and tears trickled through his fingers.
"I wish I could see her," he groaned deeply.
"When she gets well, you can," promised Jinnie, "and mebbe the baby."
Lafe's head was raised quickly and his eyes sparkled.
"I'd love to see 'em both," was all he could stammer.
The girl thrust her fingers through the bars to him, and they stood thus, regarding each other in all confidence and faith, until Jinnie dropped his hand.
"Mr. King's getting well," she said softly.
"I'm glad, very glad. He don't think I done it, does he, Jinnie?"
"No, and when I see him I'll tell him you didn't."
And as if that settled it, she turned to go; then hesitating, she smiled upon him.
"Give me four nice kisses, Lafe. I'll take one to Peg, Bobbie, and the baby, and keep one for myself." Then after their lips had met through the bars in resounding smacks, Jinnie gasped, "We can't forget Milly Ann and Happy Pete. Two more, honey!"
"God bless you, Jinnie lass," murmured Lafe, trying to hide his emotion, and then he wheeled quickly back into the falling afternoon light under the window.
Jinnie's energetic mind was busy with a scheme. She wasn't sure it would meet with Peg's approval, but when she arrived home, she sat down beside Mrs. Grandoken.
"Now, Peggy," she began emphatically, "I want you to pay attention to what I'm saying to you."
"I will," said Peggy.
"Lafe wants to see the baby!"
"Now?" asked Mrs. Grandoken, surprised.
"Well, he didn't say just now, but his eyes asked it, and, Peg, I was wondering if I couldn't take the little kid up to the jail."
Peggy shook her head.
"They wouldn't let you in with 'im," she objected.
Jinnie thought a long time. Presently she laughed a little, chuckling laugh.
"I know how to get him in there!"
"How?" asked Peggy, incredulously.
"Why, everybody knows I've been a shortwood girl. I'll roll him up in a bundle----"
Peg's hand sought the little body under the covers protectingly.