"Don't be afraid; I won't hurt you," she told him. "I'm as harmless as a kitten."
Instantly Eben's mouth expanded into a grin, and he looked sheepishly around. He knew that he was on forbidden ground, and this added to his embarrassment. At the same time it gave him a certain degree of pleasure, as forbidden sweets are always the most delectable.
"Come on down," the girl invited. "I want someone to talk to, for it is rather lonesome here."
"You'd better come up," Eben found voice to reply. "It's nicer here in the sun."
"I know it is," and the girl's face became sober in an instant. "But I am afraid."
"What are ye afraid of?"
"Those men in the boats, of course."
"That they'll git ye?"
"Yes."
"But they won't out there, though," and again Eben grinned. "I knew ye didn't drown yerself. Ye'd be a fool to do it, wouldn't ye?"