Page:In The Cage (London, Duckworth, 1898).djvu/129

Rh 'Never mind what she has! They 're in awful danger, but his is the worst, because he's in danger from her too.'

'Like me from you—the woman I love? If he's in the same funk as me'

'He's in a worse one. He's not only afraid of the lady—he's afraid of other things.'

Mr. Mudge selected another chocolate-cream. 'Well, I'm only afraid of one! But how in the world can you help this party?'

'I don't know—perhaps not at all. But so long as there's a chance'

'You won't come away?'

'No, you've got to wait for me.'

Mr. Mudge enjoyed what was in his mouth. 'And what will he give you?'

'Give me?'

'If you do help him.'

'Nothing. Nothing in all the wide world.'

'Then what will he give me?' Mr. Mudge inquired. 'I mean for waiting.'

The girl thought a moment; then she got up to walk. 'He never heard of you,' she replied.

'You haven't mentioned me?'