'Yes, I — " She stood very still as though petrified. 'I — Oh, Jim, I don't know what to say. I can't stay here, I know that. But — Italy! It seems so far. Couldn't we stay somewhere in Cornwall?'
'Don't forget I'm still a deserter,' I said. 'And the police are looking for me. The Arisaig will be off Wheal Garth — " I looked at my watch. It was still going. The time was just after three. 'In less than an hour. It's my only hope.' I took her by the shoulders. 'I've got to be on that ship,' I said. 'It's my one way out of the country. I don't want to go back to Italy. But I'd rather do that than serve a sentence for desertion, and possibly get involved with what's happened here. They might hang me.'
'No. They wouldn't do that. You haven't done anything.'
'True. But there's only my word for that. Don't forget, four revenue officers lost their lives. I've got to go, Kitty. Say you'll come. It wouldn't be so bad with you.'
She hesitated. Then she raised her head. Her eyes looked into mine in the gloom. 'You'll not desert me, Jim.'
'Of course not,' I said.
'Promise.'
'I promise.'
'All right. Then I'll come.'
I kissed her gently on the forehead. 'Soon as we can find a ship we'll go to Canada. I can always get work in the mines.'