I don't believe you can." Ned was troubled.

He was tempted to tell what was in his mind, but he knew that he would not be believed, so he fell back again upon his infinite capacity for silence.

Mr.Austin read resolution in the closed lips and rigid figure.
"Do you really mean that you will attempt to steal away ?" he asked.
"As soon as I can." The man shook his head.
"It would be better not to do so," he said, "but you are your own master, and I see I cannot dissuade you from the attempt.

But, boy, you will promise me not to take any unnecessary or foolish risks ?" "I promise gladly, and, Mr.Austin, I hate to leave you here." Their quarters were commodious and Ned slept alone in a small room to the left of the main apartment.

It was a bare place with only a bed and a chair, but it was lighted by a fairly large window.