Page:Randall Parrish--My Lady of the South.djvu/177

RELEASED FOR A PURPOSE prison, yet ask me to wait the return of men who are undecided whether they will hang me outright or merely fling me into a Southern prison? You really ask this?"

She took a step forward, her hands outstretched as though she would grasp mine.

"Yes, Lieutenant King, I do ask it; I ask it because I am afraid to be left here any longer alone; I ask it because I believe you are innocent, and I wish to give you an opportunity to prove it. I ask you to pledge me your word not to leave me until the others come."

"I do not understand," I said slowly, "but I will not disappoint you. I give you my word to stay. What is it you mean? How can I prove my innocence?"

She was at my side now, her lips almost at my ear.

"I believe," she whispered, "the assassin is still in the house." [ 167 ]