Part 45 (1/2)

”In what, dearest?”

”In this, here. I am already married, you know.”

”That is another life,” I reasoned. ”It is long ago and under different law.”

”But if we went back into it--if we escaped?”

”Then we should--but don't let's talk of that.”

”Then you should forget and I should return to Benton,” she said. ”I have decided. I should return to Benton, where Montoyo is, and maybe find another way. But I should not live with him; never, never! I should ask him to release me.”

”I, with you,” I informed. ”We should go together, and do what was best.”

”You would? You wouldn't be ashamed, or afraid?”

”Ashamed or afraid of what?”

She cried out happily, and s.h.i.+vered.

”I hope we don't have to. He might kill you. Yes, I hope we don't have to.

Do you mind?”

I shook my head, smiling my response. There were tears in her eyes, repaying me.

Our conversation became more fitful. Time sped, I don't know how, except that we were in a kind of lethargy, taking no note of time and hanging fast to this our respite from the tempestuous past.

Once she dreamily murmured, apropos of nothing, yet apropos of much:

”We must be about the same age. I am not old, not really very old.”

”I am twenty-five,” I answered.

”So I thought,” she mused.

Then, later, in manner of having revolved this idea also, more distinctly apropos and voiced with a certain triumph:

”I'm glad we drank water when we might; aren't you?”

”You were so wise,” I praised; and I felt sorry for her cracked lips. It is astonis.h.i.+ng with what swiftness, even upon the dry desert, amid the dry air, under the dry burning sun, thirst quickens into a consuming fire scorching from within outward to the skin.

We lapsed into that remarkable patience, playing the game with the Sioux and steadily viewing each other; and she asked, casually:

”Where will you shoot me, Frank?”

This bared the secret heart of me.

”No! No!” I begged. ”Don't speak of that. It will be bad enough at the best. How can I? I don't know how I can do it!”

”You will, though,” she soothed. ”I'd rather have it from you. You must be brave, for yourself and for me; and kind, and quick. I think it should be through the temple. That's sure. But you won't wait to look, will you?

You'll spare yourself that?”