I
cannot ask him to go so far as that. Help will have to come from the
outside. It will be dangerous--terribly dangerous, I fear. I have no
right to ask you to take the risk--"
"Wait! Is O'Dowd there?"
"He has left the room. He does not want to hear what I say to you.
Don't you understand?"
"Keeping his conscience clear, bless his soul," said Barnes. "It is
safe for you to speak freely?"
"I think so. O'Dowd suspected us last night. He came to me this
morning and spoke very frankly about it. I feel quite safe with him.
You see, I've known him for a long, long time. He did not know that I
was to be led into a trap like this. It was not until I had been here
for several hours that he realised the true state of affairs. I cannot
tell you any more at present, Mr. Barnes. So great are the other
issues at stake that my own misfortunes are as nothing."
"You say O'Dowd will not assist you to escape?"
"He urges me to stay here and take my chances. He believes that
everything will turn out well for me in the end, but I am frightened.
I must get away from this place."
"I'll manage it, never fear. Keep a stiff upper lip."
"Wha--keep a what?"
He laughed. "I forgot that you don't understand our language, Miss
Cameron.
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