This served to arrest his attention.

A look of uncertainty passed over his face, then he made an impatient gesture as if he dismissed some thought that had forced itself upon him, and turned to Betty.
"You don't ask what my purpose is where you are concerned; have you no curiosity on that score ?" She endeavored to meet his glance with a glance as resolute, then her eyes sought the boy's upturned face.

"I am going to send you down river, Betty.

Later I shall join you in New Orleans, and when I leave the country you shall go with me--" "Never!" gasped Betty.
"As my wife, or however you choose to call it.

I'll teach you what a man's love is like," he boasted, and extended his hand.