For the moment her own trouble was put aside by her honest concern for him.
"But, Patches," she said earnestly, "that is all past now; it cannot happen again." "You do not know," he returned, "or you would not feel so sure.

Phil might--" He checked himself as if he feared to finish the sentence.
Kitty thought now that there must be more cause for his manner than she had guessed.
"But you are not a cattle thief," she protested.

"You have only to explain who you are; no one would for a moment believe that Lawrence Knight could be guilty of stealing; it's ridiculous on the face of it!" "You do not understand," he returned desperately.

"There is more in this than stealing." Kitty started.

"You don't mean, Patches--you can't mean--Phil--" she gasped.
"Yes, I mean Phil," he whispered.