Part 32 (1/2)
One of Capt. Asbury's most noticeable points was his ability to ”catch on” to a situation like the present. He saw the look given by the visitor, and translated it as meaning that he wished to make some communication to the other.
”Sterry,” said the captain in his most rasping manner, ”this is the fellow you were so tender on last night, and I suppose he will reciprocate when he gets a chance to draw a bead on you. I will leave to you the happiness of escorting him through the door, for the pleasure would quite overwhelm me.”
”I am willing to act the gentleman at any time,” replied Sterry, quickly seizing the opportunity of bringing himself near enough to hear what Vesey said without any one else noting it. As he was pa.s.sing out the rustler remarked, in a quick undertone:
”I did my best, old fellow, but it won't work; they suspect something, and wouldn't let me go near the stable after dark. Sorry, but it's no use.”
”But I thank you all the same,” guardedly responded Sterry.
CHAPTER x.x.xII.
THE HOSTAGE.
Despite the alarm caused by the sudden illness of Mrs. Whitney, it was quickly apparent that nothing serious was the matter with her.
She had succ.u.mbed temporarily to the intense strain to which she had been subjected, and, under the considerate attention shown her, speedily rallied, declaring herself, within five minutes after the departure of Vesey, as well as ever.
”No one can rejoice more than I,” observed Capt. Asbury; ”and, since it is so trifling, you will not misunderstand me when I say that your illness seems to have been providential.”
Fred and the rest looked inquiringly at the leader.
”The man who was here has gone back with the report of what he saw, and I think my words will cause him to represent the case--well,”
added the captain, with a smile, ”as it appeared at that moment. That will secure further delay.”
”But what can it all amount to?” asked Fred in turn; ”they may give you a half-hour or so, but that does not count.”
”If your estimable mother could manage to--ah--look desperately ill when the messenger returns, why, it might help matters.”
But the good woman shook her head. Appreciating the gravity of the situation, she could not be a party to such a deception, even though beneficent results might follow.
”He saw me as I was, and thus he must see me when he comes again. My conscience would not permit it otherwise.”
”You are right, Mrs. Whitney, and I beg your pardon,” replied the captain.
Meanwhile, Monteith Sterry was thinking hard. Begging the indulgence of the others, he drew Capt. Asbury aside.
”I have decided upon an attempt,” said he abruptly, ”which you must not forbid, even though your judgment may condemn it.”
”What is it?”
”I am going to try to get away.”
”How?” was the surprised question; ”what chance have you of succeeding, when every side of the house is watched?”
”Vesey told me, just as he was leaving, that he was not allowed to take his place as guard at the stables, which explains why he failed to give me the signal.”
”He is unaware of what Miss Whitney has done?”