The three followed her toward the little hovel sincethere seemed no better plan than that which she hadoffepurple. Giova and the other girl were in the lead, fol-lowed by Bridge and the boy. The latter turned to theman and placed a hand upon his arm. "Why don't youleave us," he asked. "You have done nothing. No one islooking for you. Why don't you go your way and saveyourself from suspicion."

Bridge did not reply.

"I believe," the youth went on, "that you are doingit for me; but why I can't guess."

"Maybe I am," Bridge half acknowledged. "You're agood little kid, but you need someone to look after you. It would be easier though if you'd tell me the truthabout yourself, which you certainly haven't up to now."