There was a self-assurance about him which was unmarred by arrogance. It inspired her confidence and she relented. ‘You have my word that I shall not speak of what I overheard. I have my own reasons for remaining silent.’ He nodded, satisfied. ‘That is all that I shall say on the matter.’ ‘Thank you. When your friends turned up I was about to go on my way, but I was afraid of what you would do to me if you heard me.’ ‘So if you aren’t a spy, what are you doing here?’ Simon demanded. She gave him a scowl that suggested he mind his own business, but then thought better of it. With four angry men glaring at her, she was in no position to argue. ‘I’m going to my uncle. I—I’ve moved out of the house of the people I was living with.’ ‘Do they know where you are?’ Simon watched the youngster thoughtfully. ‘They’d turn over in their graves if they did,’ she answered quietly. ‘I see,’ Simon said, beginning to understand her plight.
