yourself so. I sincerely trust that nothing unpleasant will happen.
If it does, I promise you that we will arrange for your temporary
absence. You shall not be disturbed in any way."

"And as regards your brother, have a care, young lady," Lassen
growled. "If any one's in danger, it's he. He'll be lucky if he
saves his own skin."

The young man glowered at her.

"You hear that, you little fool!" he muttered. Keep still, can't
you?"

Her face was full of defiance. He came nearer to her and changed
his tone.

"Zoe," he whispered hoarsely, "don't you understand ? If they can't
get what they want from Laverick, they'll visit it upon me. They're
desperate, I tell you. They mean mischief all the time."

"Yet you let him be brought here, your partner who looked after you
when you were ill, and who helped you to get away!" she cried
indignantly.

He laughed unpleasantly.

"When it comes to a matter of life or death, it's every man for
himself. Besides, if I'd known as much about Laverick as I know
now, I'm not sure that I should have been so ready to go - not
empty-handed, by any manner of means."