"Trust--is a thing--some people have to--be taught," he said, steadily as he could. "You will trust me--in time. There is only one--quick way--to learn."
Having gone that far, he gave up; realized that he couldn't resist. His eyes swept back to the temptation of her face. His two arms swept around the temptation of her form. His face swept down until he yielded, in a serious kiss, to the temptation of her lips.
"Learn, Jane. Learn," he insisted into the panic of emotion he felt her to be in. "Your distrust has made it hard for me to trust you. But I find I do. I trust you with my soul. Don't say the angry things you might. Wait. Learn."
At her first effort to be free, he released her; leaned to his window; knew without turning that she was leaning to hers. After they had swung into the wide avenue that bounds the park on the west, he spoke quietly.
"I'd suggest that we land here. By looking over the wall you can see without being seen."
Without turning, she nodded. Pape dismissed the cab and guided his silent companion north a block. He pointed out the group of poplars to her by their tops, claiming what he called "the wild, or wilderness eye for location." When they reached what he considered a vantage point, however, she drew back, reluctant to look.
"If they've solved it--if they've found it, I'm lost--lost," she said. "Another hour last night and I'd have known. If you hadn't come along----"
"Ain't I trying to make up for that?" he asked her.
Without meeting his demanding eyes, she set her lips; stepped close to the V-topped wall; peered over. For a space both studied the scene of activity.
"Won't take them long," she commented. "They're just common laborers--Polakers, no doubt. The short, dressed-up man must be the boss. Wonder whether I've seen him before. Wait, he's turning! His face is strange to me. One of their hirelings, of course."
The silencer which Pape put upon certain questions exploding in his mind--pertinent questions such as what was the nature of "it," who were "they," why should another hour last night have made all "known"?--was the result of a new-made decision on his own account. He would teach this determinedly untrusting young person by demonstration; would aspire only to such confidence as she saw fit to volunteer. The hope that telepathy already was at work strengthened him to meet manfully her calm, cold gaze when at last she faced him.