Carrington hesitated.
“Why do you want Miss Malroy to escape?” he said.
The girl's mood changed abruptly. She scowled at him.
“I reckon that's a private matter. Ain't it enough fo' you-all to know that I do? I'm showing how it can be done. Them four men on the keel boat are strangers in these parts, they're waiting fo' a pilot, but they don't know who he'll be. I've heard you-all was a riverman; what's to hinder yo' taking the pilot's place? Looks like yo' was willing to risk yo' life fo' Miss Malroy or you wouldn't be here.”
“I'm ready,” said Carrington, his hand on the door.
“No, you ain't—jest yet,” interposed the girl hastily. “Listen to me first. They's a dugout tied up 'bout a hundred yards above the keel boat; you must get that to cross in to the other side of the bayou, then when yo're ready to come back yo're to whistle three times—it's the signal we're expecting—and I'll row across fo' you in one of the skiffs.”
“Can you see Miss Malroy in the meantime?”
“If I want to, they's nothin' to hinder me,” responded Bess sullenly.
“Tell her then—” began Carrington, but Bess interrupted him.
“I know what yo' want. She ain't to cry out or nothin' when she sees you-all. I got sense enough fo' that.”