Basil and Annette: A Novel

by B. L. Farjeon

Basil: "It's as black as night down here. Can't you go for help?"

Chaytor: "I'll tell you something. There isn't a soul on the township but ourselves."

Basil: "Not one?"

Chaytor: "Not one. We must wait till daylight; then I'll see what I can do."

Basil: "There's no help for it; it must be as you say. You'll not desert me?"

Chaytor (in an injured tone): "Can you think me capable of so dastardly an act?"

Basil: "Forgive me; I hardly know what I'm saying. I deserve that you should, for giving utterance to a thought so base."

Chaytor: "It was natural, perhaps. Why should you trust me, a stranger, whom you have known for only a few hours?"

Basil: "I do trust you: it was an unnatural thought. You are a noble fellow--and a gentleman."

Chaytor: "I hope so. Can I do anything for you while you are waiting?"