“Of course, it is on my account, and, of course, also it means danger of some kind. I am not afraid to know it with—with Chris and—and you to protect me.”
“I have quarrelled with the men—have just kicked one of them out of the camp, in fact. That’s all.”
She sighed and lifted her hands.
“Can’t you see that this uncertainty is worse to bear than any knowledge could be, however bad?” She was strangely gentle now.
“You needn’t exaggerate things because you don’t know them.”
“Here is the map. You try me very much. Tell me, please,” she urged as I took the map. I fingered it thoughtfully.
“You must not frighten yourself.”
“I am not frightened—except that I think there must be some terrifying news you keep back, fearing to frighten me. You put a great strain on my nerves.”
“I had not thought of that, and there is no need for it. I will tell you enough to show you that. I have had trouble with the men; and it is about you. They are only under me because I hired them to do certain work. Well, that prisoner whom I shot in the leg yesterday got at them with a tale that you were a prisoner of such importance that a considerable sum of money was to be paid for your safe delivery at Maglai; and they had a fancy to help in earning it. We quarrelled about it, and they’ve left the camp.”
“Who do they say I am?”