Page:Maud Howe - Atlanta in the South.djvu/289

 his life to save the woman from this new disgrace; but his word!

He looked the little gimlet-eyed detective fairly in the eyes, and said: "I pledge you my word of honor that every word I have told you about that lady is true. She is going to Thebes, taking her life in her hand, to help those pest-stricken people; I will hold myself responsible for her. And I charge you, as you are a man, not to challenge a soldier on the way to duty at a post of danger, it may be of death."

He had laid his hand on the man's shoulder, and was looking at him with that burning look in his strange eyes which was wont to control the men and women who met it.

"Well, Doctor, if you say it's all right, I must take your word for it," said the detective, slowly turning away. "I am afraid I 've let the wool be pulled over my eyes with those same optics a leetle too wide open," he added to himself.

By this time the train was ready to start; Philip, Therese, and Hero had taken their places. With a sudden spasm of official remorse, Dryer rushed to the window of the car where Rondelet was sitting.

"Doctor, I have your word for the reappearance of that person if she is wanted?"

"The person will be in the place I told you of; but you must come yourself to get her.