Barnes was cautious. This might be the clever O'Dowd's way of trapping him into serious admissions.
"I don't know what the deuce you are talking about, O'Dowd," he interrupted.
"You lie, Barnes," said the other promptly. "Miss Cameron is here at my elbow. Will you have her tell you that you lie?"
"Let her say anything she likes," said Barnes quickly.
"Don't be surprised if you are cut off suddenly. The coast is clear for the moment, but—Here, Miss Cameron. Careful, now."
Her voice, soft and clear and trembling with eagerness caressed Barnes's eager ear.
"Mr. O'Dowd will see that no evil befalls me here, but he refuses to help me to get away. I quite understand and appreciate his position. I cannot ask him to go so far as that. Help will have to come from the outside. It will be dangerous—terribly dangerous, I fear. I have no right to ask you to take the risk—"
"Wait! Is O'Dowd there?"
"He has left the room. He does not want to hear what I say to you. Don't you understand?"
"Keeping his conscience clear, bless his soul," said Barnes. "It is safe for you to speak freely?"