"
"The girl laughed and said:
"It is easy enough to say 'that is all right,' but where shall
I go?"
"Go with Tom Pearce."
"Tom Pearce will not leave the coast."
"Yes, he will."
"Did he tell you so?"
"No, but I will persuade him. I will show him very soon that
it is best for him to go. He will go, never fear!"
"You will never persuade him."
"I will use an argument you do not dream of, my, girl; and
now, mark me, I am your friend. I have promised to solve the
mystery surrounding your commission to the care of the Pearces
many years ago. I will learn all about you, I will find the
box."
"What box?"
The detective smiled as he remembered that the girl knew
nothing about the box, and he said:
"Ah, that is a way we detectives have of speaking! the secret
of your life is boxed somewhere, we would say, and I will
unravel the mystery."
"Why should you take such an interest in me?"
"Did you not save my life?"
"But did you not imperil your life in my behalf?"
"No; I was in the way of duty when I fell into the hands of
the smugglers under such peculiar circumstances; but never
mind, we will not discuss that matter. I have seen fit to
make you a promise, and I will make my promise good."
"Never! if you decide to remain on the coast."
"I shall remain! and now, Renie, as we are friends, let us
arrange so as to guard against future perils. I may appear
here under many disguises, it is necessary for both of us that
you should always know and recognize me; but you must never
betray your recognition; to you in the presence of others I
must always be a stranger; your safety and my own demands it,
but all will come out right in the end.
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