“I can’t argue with you, because I don’t know enough. But I suppose the laws are on the whole good and just, and it is right to obey them. It must be bad for people to live always under the feeling that they have to hide something.”
“Why, what bad effect has it had upon me? Have you found me such a very redoubtable ruffian?”
“Oh, no! Oh, no; you have been very good and kind.”
“Well, certainly I have wished nothing but good to you. I came with Bob this morning only to see that he didn’t bully you, and if in any way I could help you or get you away out of this place, I would. Is that rough brute Crispin kind to you?”
“Yes, and no. He is very strange. Sometimes he is harsh and hard and so disagreeable I scarcely dare speak to him, and then at other times he will be almost tender.”
“He hasn’t got tipsy yet, and frightened you?”
“Tipsy! Oh, no!” cried Freda half in alarm and half in indignation. “I don’t believe he would. I am sure he wouldn’t,” she added warmly.
“You speak as if you were quite fond of him,” said Dick, surprised and laughing.
“So I am, rather. Somehow I can’t help thinking he is fond of me. It is very strange.”
“I don’t think so. I don’t think it strange that any one seeing a good deal of you should get fond of you. Well,” he added after a pause, during which they both reddened and looked rather embarrassed, “and have you tried yet to convert Crispin to your views upon smuggling?”