Page:The traitor; a story of the fall of the invisible empire (IA traitorstoryoffa00dixo).pdf/62

 "It's a dangerous job, Billy."

"That's the only kind of a job that interests me. A dozen wholesome raids would put these scalawags and carpetbaggers out of business. There ought to be five thousand men in line to-night. I'll bet they don't muster a thousand. It wouldn't surprise me if they backed out altogether."

"I wish they would," sighed Susie.

"Of course you do, little girl," said Billy with sudden patronising tenderness. "I know what you need."

Susie smiled and asked demurely:

"What?"

Billy seized both her hands and drew her under the shadow of a tree.

"A strong manly breast on which to lean—Susie, my Darling, I love you! Will you be my wife?"

Susie burst into a fit of laughter and Billy dropped her hands in rage.

"You treat the offer of my heart as a senseless joke, young woman?"

"No, Billy dear, I don't. I appreciate it more than words can express. You have paid me the highest tribute a girl can receive, but the idea of marrying a boy of your age is ridiculous!"

"Ridiculous! Ridiculous! How dare you