“Have you ever been in love, Laura?” I asked abruptly.
She flinched.
“You have?” I went on, when she didn’t speak. “It didn’t work out?”
“My father …” She stopped.
“All right,” I said. “It’s not my business. But if you have been in love, you’ll know how I feel.
I’m in love with that girl. I’m crazy about her, and I’m going to get her out of that jail if it costs me my life. I want you to help me.”
She began to breathe quickly. “But how can I help?” she said, without looking at me.
“By not making a fuss. I’ll tell you what I have to do. I don’t want to do it, but I have to do it. My girl’s life is at stake, and I’ll do anything to get her out of the mess she’s in. I’m going to take you away from here, and keep you until she’s free. That’s the only way I can make your father work with me. I give you my word you won’t come to any harm, and you’ll be returned here in a day or so.”
She started up.
“Oh no,” she said. “Please don’t take me away.”