I am well paid for this by the
thanks which you have already proffered me."
"No thanks--nothing that we could do for you would be sufficient
recompense," Helen declared energetically.
"Let me speak for a moment of the future," he continued. "Supposing
you ring that telephone and hand me over to the authorities here?
Well, that will be the end of me, without a doubt. You will have
done what seemed to you to be the right thing, and I hope that that
consciousness will sustain you, for, believe me, though it may not
be at my will, your brother's life will most certainly answer for
mine."
There was a slight pause. A sob broke from Helen's throat. Even
Philippa's lip quivered.
"Forgive me," he went on, "if that sounds like a threat. It was not
so meant. It is the simple truth. Let me hurry on to the future.
I ask so little of you. It is my duty to live in this spot for one
month. What harm can I do? You have no great concentration of
soldiers here, no docks, no fortifications, no industry. And in
return for the slight service of allowing me to remain here
unmolested, I pledge my word that Richard shall be set at liberty
and shall be here with you within two months."
Helen's face was transformed, her eyes glowed, her lips were parted
with eagerness. She turned towards Philippa, her expression, her
whole attitude an epitome of eloquent pleading.
Pages:
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
49