"No one can help me, Hal; no one can do this but myself."
"But, father," whispered the boy, in agonized tones, "suppose—"
"I will suppose nothing, Hal," said Mr. Kenyon sternly. "It is very dangerous work, and I dare trust no one but myself. Now obey me, and remember that my life is in you boys' hands. No one must touch the end of those wires. Phra, you hear?"
"Yes, Mr. Kenyon, but I feel like Hal. We don't like to leave you."
"I am going to help the Sahib," said Sree quietly from where he stood, spade in hand.
"No, Sree; the task is too dangerous. Go with my son."
"The Sahib will want help to fill in the earth over the boards; there is much to do, and his servant begs that he may share the danger with the Sahib."
"You know the risk."
"Yes, Sahib," said the man calmly.
"Then stay."