Without a word the girl fed the brush to the hungry flames; with the man’s own belt and his woolen neckerchief, George pinioned his arms and legs.
“He’s very awkward to handle,” said the youth when this was accomplished, “and it’s just as well to have him safe.” Then he turned and helped her with a tangled mass of brush which she found it difficult to move. “How did you happen here?” he asked.
“I saw you coming this way,” she answered simply. “And I saw him,” with a nod toward Slade, “following you. He looked as if he meant harm, so I followed him.”
“You did!” He gazed at her steadily.
“You have served me more than once,” she said. “And then, you are my cousin.”
George started with surprise.
“You know that!”
“I have known it all along—from the first, almost. And that is why I have been so—so——”
She hesitated, and he added a word.
“Contemptuous,” he said.