"That you will keep it dark that I told you. I must have your promise; then I have something of great interest to say."
"You quite frighten me," said the girl. "What can it be? Something about Gavon, and something, I see by your manner, not quite good. And I am to make you a promise."
"You can act in any way you like, but you are never to tell who told you. And if you give me your promise, I will take you a little bit into my confidence, and you and I can work together. You won't find it dull in Ladysmith when you and I have made our little plot to stick together and work together."
"But I don't at all know that I want to work with you, Major Strause."
"Oh, it isn't a love business—nothing of that sort."
Kitty flushed and looked annoyed.
"It simply means that you and I want to hold what we have got."
"To hold what we have got!" repeated the girl.
"Yes, that's about it. You and I want to hold our possessions tightly; and I think we can if we make a little league to work together."
"All right; let's make a league," said Kitty. "It really is exciting, and while you talk to me I forget Long Tom."