In an instant Howland was at her side.

Once more his old, resolute fighting blood was up.

Firmly he took her hands again, his eyes compelling her to look up at him.
"If I don't go to-morrow--they will kill me," he completed, repeating the words of her note to him.

"Now, if you are going to be honest with me, tell me this--_who_ is going to kill me, and _why_ ?" He felt a convulsive shudder pass through her as she answered, "I said that I would not lie to you again.

If I can not tell you the truth I will tell you nothing.