Then she lowered the knife, and, with its keen edge, cut the cord that held the gag in the boy’s mouth.
Frank worked his jaws some moments, and then, when he could speak, he said:
“Thank you. You are very kind. That beastly thing was getting mightily unpleasant, you know.”
“Is it possible you understand you are to be killed?” she asked, fiercely.
“Well, I should imagine that I might think something of the kind was to happen to me. I beg your pardon, but I am not quite a fool.”
“And still you do not seem to fear. I do not understand you yet! Do you wish to die?”
“Well, I am not exactly yearning for it. I wouldn’t mind living a short time longer just for the fun of the thing.”
“But I tell you that you are doomed to die. They are drawing now to see who shall do the work.”
“That is pleasant information! You make me feel real jolly. But I did fancy they had drawn, and the job had fallen to you.”
“No. They do not know I am here. I slipped through when they did not see me. I could not stay away. I wanted to see you again before you were killed.”