His eyes flashed in the darkness and his voice vibrated with passion as he answered:
"I know you think ill of me. You do me an injustice. I have no share in these men's operations, but I have great power over them. They must obey my command. They know that and so respect my orders. A word from me and your husband will be unmolested."
Like the drowning man who in his agony will grasp eagerly at a floating straw, Helen seized at the hope his words held out. That Kenneth was in peril she readily believed. It was a dangerous mission. She had scented danger from the outset. This man might be lying, and yet he might have the influence he boasted.
"You can avert the danger?"
He nodded.
"I can."
"How?"
"I will give orders that he be unmolested."
"And they will obey you?"
"They will."