Why--" "Yes, yes, I know," he interrupted hurriedly; "but now--_you must_!" As the child stepped backward and tried to draw away, he clasped her hands more tightly still.

"But listen, dear; it's to save _me_! Don't you understand ?--and it's _right_! When those men come, they mustn't find me.

Say I _was_ here, but I've gone.

If they ask which way, tell them I went down past the spring--through the blackberry patch.

Do you understand ?--and can you remember ?" She nodded gravely, and the Southerner folded her tightly in his arms.