"I mean regarding Miss Andrés."
"Oh, of course not! Why, what's the matter?"
"Nothing, only she is in my care until she is your wife."
James Rutlidge laughed. "I will take good care of her until you get back. You need have no fear. You're not doubting my word, are you?"
"If I doubted your word, I would take Miss Andrés with me," answered the convict, simply.
James Rutlidge looked at him, curiously; "Oh, you would?"
"Yes, sir, I would; and I think I should tell you, too, that if you should forget your promise--"
"Well, what would you do if I should forget?"
The answer came deliberately; "If you do not keep your promise I will kill you, Mr. Rutlidge."
James Rutlidge did not reply.