it is you think------"

"I think nothing; I am haunted with a horrible
fear. Tell me, is there any special danger?"

"He has heard something," Arthur thought,
remembering the whispers of a projected revolt.
But the secret was not his to tell; and he merely
answered: "What special danger should there be?"

"Don't question me--answer me!" Montanelli's
voice was almost harsh in its eagerness.
"Are you in danger? I don't want to know your
secrets; only tell me that!"

"We are all in God's hands, Padre; anything
may always happen. But I know of no reason
why I should not be here alive and safe when you
come back."

"When I come back----Listen, carino; I will
leave it in your hands. You need give me no
reason; only say to me, 'Stay,' and I will give up
this journey. There will be no injury to anyone,
and I shall feel you are safer if I have you
beside me."

This kind of morbid fancifulness was so foreign
to Montanelli's character that Arthur looked at
him with grave anxiety.