"I do not wish to agitate or distress you, madame," begins Joe,
and his voice is very kind.
"I broke out a little on Hardin; all bluff, you know. Just to show
him a card. Now will you trust and let me help you? I mean to bring
you out all right. I can't tell you all I know. I am going to fight
Hardin on another quarrel. It will be to the death. I can just as
well square your little account too, if you will trust me. Will
you let me handle your movements, up to the legal issue. After that
you are free. I'll give you the word of an honest man, you shall
not suffer. Will you trust me?"
Joe's big eyes are looking very appealingly in hers.
Without a word, she places her hand in his. "I am yours until that
time, but spare me as much as you can--the old histories, you know,"
her voice falters. She is a woman, after all.
"Now see here, madame! I swear to you I am the only private man in
California who knows your secret, except Hardin, now. I got it in
the days long past. No one shall know your identity." He fixes a
keen glance on her: "Is there anyone else you wish to spare?" he
softly says.
"Yes." She is sobbing now. "It is my child. Don't let her know
that awful past."
Joseph's eyes are filled with manly sorrow.
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