"I cannot answer that question. I was in hopes you would not ask. You must not press me for an explanation, for I cannot give it. But please stay away from that meeting to-night. You can do no good. Everything is settled. The temper of the men has been aroused, and I fear there will be trouble."
"Trouble for whom?" demanded Steve, bending suspicious eyes upon her.
"Ah, that I cannot say. Ask me no questions, for I shall not answer them. Don't you see what a risk I am running in saying as much as I have said?"
"I beg your pardon, Miss Cavard; it was very thoughtless of me. I——"
"And you will remain away?" she asked eagerly.
"I cannot."
"Why not?"
"I already have answered that question. It is my duty to be there, and no one shall ever say that Steve Rush shirked his duty as he saw it. I am not afraid of anything the men may do there. No one will harm me. I——"
"Do not be too sure of that," interjected the girl quickly.
"I thank you, but I must go. I am not afraid."