It would be safer for us both." Then, after a pause, he added, "If I were foot-free, I would be off to-morrow." He watched Mrs.Dinneford closely, and saw a change creep over her face.
"If I were to disappear suddenly," he resumed, "suspicion, if it took a definite shape, would fall on me.

You would not be thought of in the matter." He paused again, observing his companion keenly but stealthily.

He was not able to look her fully in the face.
"Speak out plainly," said Mrs.Dinneford, with visible impatience.
"Plainly, then, madam," returned Freeling, changing his whole bearing toward her, and speaking as one who felt that he was master of the situation, "it has come to this: I shall have to break up and leave the city, or there will be a new trial in which you and I will be the accused.

Now, self-preservation is the first law of nature.

I don't mean to go to the State's prison if I can help it.