“But why do you go back to that place? You have a grandfather here, and plenty of friends.”

“I’m as safe there as here. I’m not in any danger. You are in danger. You must go away. To-morrow! Promise me that—please!”

“But why? What are they afraid of? I came only to buy a horse.”

“They don’t believe that.”

“What do they think I’m after?”

“I can’t tell you. But don’t you believe me? Don’t you know that I am telling the truth—that you are in danger? Do you think I’d came all that way alone through the woods at night for—for fun?”

“I believe you, of course. But I think you must have an exaggerated idea of the danger.”

“Exaggerated! Do you think I’m a fool? You are in danger of—of—death!”

“Death? Then it is not for the first time; and why should it be the first time for me to run away?”

“You must go!”