“I can’t wait. If I’m to stop this dreadful talk I must know everything. He is unable to defend himself and—and his friends must do it for him.”
So it was Covell she was so anxious to defend. He might have guessed it.
“No,” he said, sharply. “I shall tell you nothing about him. He accused me of spying on him—told me that night that I was hanging about here to learn what he did and then carry tales to—to his friends. It was a lie, of course; but he shall never be able to say that I told those tales. No, indeed he shan’t.”
She was regarding him intently.
“Was that why you quarreled?” she asked.
“That—and other things. Yes.”
“Bob,” earnestly, “you and he weren’t—weren’t— Tell me: Was my name mentioned between you?”
He shrugged. “I didn’t mention it,” he said. “Esther, don’t ask me any more. I shall not tell you or any one else another word, now or ever. Don’t worry. I am going away from here just as soon as I can get away. Then you will all be rid of one nuisance, at least.”
“When are you going?”
“On the first ship that will take me. Early next week, I hope.”