On those terms I would be willing to do my best to help you out." "I agree to that like a shot!" said Will; and I nodded.
"You mean-- ?" "All or nothing!" Fred insisted.
"You mean that you also, just like these Germans, must have a sword to hold over me ?" "I thought you wouldn't understand!" Fred answered.

"What we demand, Lady Saffren Walden, is proof that you really do give us your confidence.

Without that we have nothing to say to you, and nothing to do with you!" She broke down then and cried a little, tearing herself with sobs she hated to release.

Suddenly she raised her head and glared at us wildly, dry-eyed; not a tear had accompanied the sobbing.
"If I tell you--if you fail me after that--I shall kill myself in such way that you shall know--my blood is on your heads!" Fred laughed.

It was no doubt the best thing to do, but I wondered how he managed it.
"Suppose you begin by telling us," he said.