"But, Patches," she said earnestly, "that is all past now; it cannot
happen again."
"You do not know," he returned, "or you would not feel so sure. Phil
might--" He checked himself as if he feared to finish the sentence.
Kitty thought now that there must be more cause for his manner than she
had guessed.
"But you are not a cattle thief," she protested. "You have only to
explain who you are; no one would for a moment believe that Lawrence
Knight could be guilty of stealing; it's ridiculous on the face of it!"
"You do not understand," he returned desperately. "There is more in this
than stealing."
Kitty started. "You don't mean, Patches--you can't mean--Phil--" she
gasped.
"Yes, I mean Phil," he whispered. "I--we were quarreling--I was angry.
My God! girl, don't you see why I must go? I dare not stay. Listen,
Kitty! It will be all right. Once I am out of this country and living
under my own name I will be safe. Later you can come to me. You will
come, won't you, dear? You know how I want you; this need make no change
in our plans. If you love me you--"
She stopped him with a low cry. "And you--it was you who did that?"
"But I tell you we were quarreling, Kitty," he protested weakly.
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