Page:The traitor; a story of the fall of the invisible empire (IA traitorstoryoffa00dixo).pdf/27

 John looked at her curiously, bowed and kissed her hand.

"Thanks, Miss Susie! I appreciate, more than I can tell, your coming alone after me here to-night—a very rash and daring thing for a girl to do in these troublesome times. Such things make a fellow ashamed that he ever took a drink, make him feel that life is always worth the fight—and I'm going to make it to-night—and I'm going to win!"

"Then don't give old Butler the chance to ruin you," pleaded the gentle voice.

"I won't, my little girl, I won't—don't worry! I'll play my trump card—I've got it here."

He fumbled in his pocket and drew out a letter which he crushed nervously in his slender but powerful hand, drawing his tall figure suddenly erect.

The girl saw that her pleadings were in vain, and said helplessly:

"You won't come back with me?"

"No, Miss Susie, I've serious work just now with the present lord of this manor; my future hangs on the issue. I'll win—and I'll come home later in the evening without a scratch."

Again the slender white hand rested on his arm.

"Promise me to wait an hour until you are cooler and your head is clear before you see him—will you?"