His exclamation had not been loud, but the silence was profound.

"I guess nobody heard," he finally whispered.

"You mustn't go, Susie." He caught her hand and held it.

"I love you, and I forbid it." "I _must_ go, dear," answered she.

"I've decided to take the midnight boat for Cincinnati." In the half darkness he gazed in stupefaction at her--this girl of only seventeen calmly resolving upon and planning an adventure so daring, so impossible.