Part 47 (1/2)
She shuddered. She knew he would do it; this was no empty threat.
Mechanically she took her hat and cloak and put them on.
”If you cry out I will use it,” he said, holding up the knife. She did not speak. He took her by the wrist and led her out; she was not so afraid now, probably it was the safest plan to go with him--she could escape again.
He pulled her rapidly along by the wall until he reached the motor.
”Get in,” he said, turning on the small inside lamps.
Jane entered; she heard him fixing the starter; he got in and in a few minutes the car moved.
”It all depends on yourself whether you come out of this alive,” he said savagely.
”Where are you going?” she asked.
”Anywhere on to the main road; you can say good-bye to Trent Park, you'll never see it again,” he said.
He intended to kill her when it was safe; she felt sure such was his intention. Her faculties were alert. Was there a way out?
Her heart gave a throb, her hopes rose; if she could make him steer a wrong course.
”You are not making for the main road,” she said.
”Oh, yes, I am.”
”You are not. If you upset the car you may be killed too,” said Jane.
He hesitated; she might be right, there were several roads in the Park.
He wanted to get away as quickly as possible. He had no head lights; it was safer.
”Which way ought I to go?” he asked.
”More to the left.”
Jane knew the ground well; she could find her way in the dark almost as certainly as her father. The car was nearing the road leading past the moat and tower; it was not often used, but he would not be aware of this in the dark.
”To the left?” he said. ”There's no road there.”
”Yes; a little farther on.”
”You can see?” he said in surprise.
”I know the park as well in the dark as in the daytime,” she answered.
He thought this not improbable; her father had taught her woodcraft, the ways of the forest and the park.
”If you put me wrong you're done for,” he said. ”You'd better not play tricks with me.”
”Why should I when you threaten my life?” she replied quietly.