Part 11 (1/2)
”Never mind that,” said Stubbs with a wave of the hand. ”All I want to say is this: If, at any time, within a day or two or within a month or two, I do anything you don't like, anything that puts you to some inconvenience--you will know that I am doing it for your own good--because I am fond of both of you and don't want to see you get in trouble.”
”Say, Stubbs, what on earth are you talking about?” asked Chester in great surprise.
”Never mind what I'm talking about,” returned Stubbs, half angrily. ”I just want you to remember what I am saying.”
”We'll remember, if that will do you any good,” said Chester, ”but I wish you would tell me what it is all about.”
”I may not be talking about anything, and then I may be talking about a whole lot,” was Stubbs' enigmatical response. ”Time will tell.”
”Time will tell what, Mr. Stubbs?” demanded Hal.
”Oh, rats!” said Stubbs. ”I haven't time to stay here and talk to you fellows all night. Just remember what I said. That's all.”
He stepped out the tent and was gone.
Hal and Chester gazed at one another in the utmost surprise.
”What in the time of the Czar do you suppose he was talking about?”
asked Chester.
”I'm not good at conundrums,” replied Hal. ”He's got something on his mind, all right.”
”Providing he has a mind left,” agreed Chester.
Hal smiled.
”From the way he talked that fact is open to doubt,” he replied.
”I didn't think he was a drinking man,” said Chester.
”Oh, he was sober enough. By the way, did you notice his hesitation when I asked him if he had any enemies?”
”By George! I did. He couldn't answer. I'll bet he knows more about the man that fired that shot at you than he is willing to admit.”
”It looks like it,” Hal agreed. ”From his actions, I would judge that the shot was meant for him.”
”Exactly,” said Chester, ”and he knows who it was that fired it.”
”Well, there is no use talking about it,” declared Hal. ”We can't possibly figure it out ourselves. One thing, though, we shall have to be on our guard. The unknown enemy may not know that Stubbs has moved and may try again.”
”Right,” said Chester. ”We'll have to sleep with one eye open.”
”Oh, we're safe enough to-night,” said Hal. ”He'll figure we'll be on the watch and will postpone his next visit for a day or two. By the way, old man, how do you feel?”
”First rate. I'll be as good as new in the morning.”
”I hope so. In that event we had better get a little sleep.”
”Then you don't think it necessary for one of us to stand watch?”