"Good-bye. I must be
on my way. Deliver my best wishes to her, Barnes, and say that if she
ever needs a friend Billy O'Dowd is the boy to respond to any call she
sends out. God willing, I may see her again some day,--and I'll say
the same to you, old man." He arose and held out his hand. "I'm
trusting to you to get her away from these parts before the rat-
catchers come. Don't let 'em bother her. Good-bye and good luck
forever."
"You are a brick, O'Dowd. I want to see you again. You will always
find me--"
"Thanks. Don't issue any rash invitations. I might take you up." He
strode to the door, followed by Barnes.
"Is there anything to be feared from this Prince Ugo or the crowd up
there?"
"There would be if they knew where they could lay their hands on her
inside of the next ten hours. She could a tale unfold, and they
wouldn't like that. Keep her under cover here till--well, till THAT
danger is past and then keep her out of the danger that is to come."
Barnes started upstairs as soon as O'Dowd was off, urged by an
eagerness that put wings on his feet and a thrill of excitement in his
blood. Half way up he stopped short. A new condition confronted him.
What was the proper way to approach a person of royal blood? Certainly
it wasn't right to go galumping upstairs and bang on her door, and
saunter in as if she were just like any one else.
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