Her attitude towards me had completely altered. She was hard-mouthed and indignant, which, after all, was but natural.
“My whole future is in your hands,” I added.
She still hesitated. A word from her and not only would I be arrested, but Rayne would probably be exposed and arrested also. She seemed, I feared, to be aware of the whole organization, hence she was one of the last persons who should have been marked down as a victim. Rayne had evidently committed a fatal error.
“Well,” she said at last, “I am open to remain silent, and the matter shall never be mentioned between us—but on one condition.”
“And what is that?” I asked anxiously.
“I am in want of someone to help me. Will you do so?”
“I will do anything to serve you if you give me my liberty,” I said, much ashamed.
“Very well, then. Listen,” she said in a hard, strained voice. “If you resolve, in return for my silence, to assist me, you will be compelled to act at my orders without seeking for any motive, but in blind obedience.”
“I quite understand,” I replied. “I agree.”