“As long as one is in for it, why increase the number endangered by the fever?” she asked, coolly. “You are real kind to stay, Tom—you and Darcy.”
“You couldn’t get me away with a Gatling gun,” said Tom, grimly. “You know that, Ruth.”
“I know I have a staunch friend in you, Tommy,” she said, in a low voice.
“One you can trust?”
“To be sure,” she replied, smiling seriously at him.
“Then what is all this about Mary Cox? What has she got to do with the fellow you’ve got hived up in that shack?” shot in Master Tom, shrewdly.
“Oh, now, Tommy!” gasped Ruth.
“You can’t fool me, Ruth——”
“Sh! don’t let the others hear you,” she whispered. “And don’t come any nearer, Tom!” she added, warningly, and in a louder tone.
“But The Fox has something to do with this man?” demanded Tom.