Part 49 (1/2)

”How did you get out of the house?”

”I climbed out of a window, when the nurse and the policeman were not looking.”

”Bloomin' clever, that,” he murmured. His eyes were watching her closely, and to himself he was saying: ”Gad, what a beauty she is, in spite of what she has suffered!”

”I am going away--far away!” she went on, in a low voice. ”Oh, I cannot, cannot stay here.”

”You can't travel in your condition, Margaret.” He pulled thoughtfully at his mutton-chop whiskers. ”You let me help you.”

”You?”

”Yes. Come, give me your arm,” and he caught hold of her, as if to a.s.sist her to arise.

”No, no! Please leave me!” she begged. ”I can take care of myself.

Only give me the chance to get away!”

”Margaret! You are out of your mind.”

”No, I am not.”

”I know better. And I am not going to let you go away. You shall go with me.”

”Oh, Mr. Styles! Please go away.”

”No,” he answered firmly. ”Come, you have got to go with me.”

CHAPTER XXIX

A GLa.s.s OF POISON

Margaret could do nothing but stare at the man before her. He was heavy-set and powerful, and wont to having his own way.

”Mr. Styles--” she began, but he put his hand over her mouth.

”You are sick--out of your head,” he interrupted. ”I know what is best, and you must do as I say. Come on.” And he pulled her forward by the hand.

”Where to?”

”Not very far.”

”I--I do not wish to go to your home.”

”I'll not take you there, don't fear.”

”You are going to hand me over to the--the authorities.”

”Never! Come. I won't hurt you.”

He led the way through the woods, across a small stream and past a spot where some wild berries grew. Then they struck a trail leading up a hillside. The place was new to her.