"Do you think I am such a coward that I would leave you here alone? I would rather die with you. No, Liz! If one of us must remain we must all do so, but—I have an idea, Liz. It is a hopeless situation for you anyway, and therefore, it cannot be any worse. Every moment may be precious to us now, and therefore, we must act quickly. We must call upon the police for protection. We must have an officer here and have Ben arrested when he awakens."
"But——"
"There is no time to argue it, Liz. It is a last resort."
"Then you go. I will keep the child."
"No. I must remain. If he were to awaken and find you here without me, he would kill you without the hesitation of a second; but if he should recover during your absence, I could invent some story that would keep him talking until your return. Do not fear for me, Liz, but, for God's sake, hurry!"
For only one second Liz paused; then, with not a glance in the direction of the prostrate man, she murmured a word of blessing upon the head of the girl who had, at the risk of her own life, befriended her, and hastened away.
With a heart that seemed to stand still with dread, Leonie awaited.
Only once she looked at the child. The great eyes were fixed pleadingly upon her, as though beseeching her not to forsake him.
She pressed her hand over them, to close the burning lids.
"Don't fret, Dick!" she said. "Nothing shall harm you, my poor little one, until I have been killed first."