“Well?” he asked.
She was standing near the lantern, removing the few utensils–the bacon had been served to him in the pan–from her outdoor table. When she answered him she turned away until her face was hidden in the shadow.
“I didn’t carry your message to Dr. Slavens as you ordered, Jerry.”
“I know it,” said he. “What next?”
“I guess it’s ‘up to you,’ as you put it. I’m not going to try to save myself at the expense of any of my friends.”
Boyle got up. He took a little turn away from the box whereon the lantern stood, as if struggling to maintain the fair front he had worn when he appeared. 250 After a little he turned and faced her, walking back slowly until only the length of the little stove was between them.
“Have you considered your own danger?” he asked.
“It wouldn’t help you a great deal here, among these rough, fair-minded people, to take an advantage like that of a woman, especially when her transgression is merely technical and not intentional,” she rejoined.
“I wouldn’t have to appear in it,” he assured her.
“Well, set the United States marshal after me as soon as you want to; I’ll be here,” she said, speaking with the even tone of resignation which one commands when the mind has arrived at a determined stand to face the last and worst.