Page:Hornung - Irralies Bushranger.djvu/90

 "I was too ashamed," she said at length. "Besides, I didn't believe it myself—I only couldn't help thinking it."

"You might have told them what you couldn't help thinking; or at least let them know that I was armed."

"I might, certainly."

"Why didn't you, Miss Villiers?"

They were now approaching the southerly edge of the homestead clearing. The illuminations shone in their eyes through the thinning trees. The music had ceased; it was not missed, however, in the pines; and thus the rather singular lack of open-air promenaders went also unremarked. Fullarton repeated his question.

"I can't explain it," replied Irralie. "You were one against many; that may have been it. And then, you never looked the villain!"

"Suppose I had!" he said, eagerly. "Suppose you had known me for Stingaree himself; what then?"

Irralie made no reply. They had struck