“Larry—aren’t—you—drunk?” she faltered.
“I was, but now I’m sober.... Girl, kiss me again!”
In wonder and fear Allie complied, now flushing scarlet.
“I—I was never so happy,” she whispered. “But Larry—you—you frighten me.... I—”
“Happy!” ejaculated Larry. Then he let her go and stood up, breathing hard. “There’s a hell of a lie heah somewheres—but it ain’t in you.”
“Larry, talk sense. I’m weak from long waiting. Oh, tell me of Neale!”
What a strange, curious, incomprehensible glance he gave her!
“Allie—Neale’s heah in Benton. I can take you to him in ten minutes. Do you want me to?”
“Want you to!... Reddy! I’ll die if you don’t take me—at once!” she cried, in anguish.
Again Larry loomed over her. This time he took her hands. “How long had you been heah—before I came?” he asked.