But I had nobody to say a good word for
me. I had been in Boston only a year, and I could not let people
where I came from know about my trouble. Even if the judge had
given me a jail sentence, I could have shortened it by good
behavior. He did what he thought was best, I suppose. He considered
me a hardened young criminal. He sent me to the St. Andrew's School
until I was twenty-one--two years. Two long, long years.
"Six months ago I got out and Sellers gave me a job. Now, that is
all, Captain Latham. You will readily see my position. I do not want
to go anywhere with you to eat where your friends are likely to see
you."
He uttered a sudden, stinging, harsh sound; then he removed his cap
and bent toward her.
"But what you have said--Why, were they all crazy? Couldn't they see
that such a thing would be impossible for you? Impossible!"
She put a hand gently on his arm to quiet his excitement, for others
were passing. Her eyes glowed up into his for an instant. Her lips
parted in a happier smile than he had seen on them before.
"Then you will not get up from this bench, Captain Latham, and
excuse yourself? I should not blame you if you did so."
"Do you think I'm that kind of a fellow?" he demanded bluntly.
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