“When may I go?” I asked.
“Well, I had thought,” she answered, “that it would be very nice if you were to get your wheel and ride over with me to-day.”
“Count me in every time! By the way what is the name of the place?”
“Crom Castle. Crom is the name of the little village, but it is a couple of miles away.” I paused a while thinking before I spoke. Then with my mind made up I said:
“Before we leave here I want to speak of something which, however unimportant you may think it, makes me anxious. You will let me at the beginning beg, won’t you, that you do not ask me who my informant is, or not to tell you anything except what I think advisable.” Her face grew grave as she said:
“You frighten me! But Archie, dear, I trust you. I trust you; and you may speak plainly. I shall understand.”
CHAPTER XX
COMRADESHIP
“I want you to promise me that you will not hide yourself where I cannot find you. I have grave reason for the request. Also, I want you, if you will, to let some others know where you are.” At first there was instinctive defiance in her mouth and nostrils. Then her brows wrinkled in thought; the sequence was an index to character which I could not but notice. However the war was not long; reason, whatever was the outcome of its dominance, triumphed over impulse. I thought I could understand the logical process which led to her spoken conclusion: