"
"Yes, I remember; the Van Loo clerks; they knew it, of course," said
Stacy with a grim smile. "Well, boys," he said, with sudden alacrity,
"I'm going to turn in, for by sun-up to-morrow I must be on my way to
catch the first train at the Divide for 'Frisco. We'll hunt this thing
down together, for I reckon we're all concerned in it," he added,
looking at the others, "and once more we're partners as in the old
times. Let us even say that I've given Barker's signal or password," he
added, with a laugh, "and we'll stick together. Barker boy," he went on,
grasping his younger partner's hand, "your instinct has saved us this
time; d----d if I don't sometimes think it better than any other man's
sabe; only," he dropped his voice slightly, "I wish you had it in other
things than FINANCE. Phil, I've a word to say to you alone before I go.
I may want you to follow me."
"But what can I do?" said Barker eagerly. "You're not going to leave me
out."
"You've done quite enough for us, old man," said Stacy, laying his hand
on Barker's shoulder. "And it may be for US to do something for YOU.
Trot off to bed now, like a good boy. I'll keep you posted when the time
comes."
Shoving the protesting and leave-taking Barker with paternal familiarity
from the room, he closed the door and faced Demorest.
"He's the best fellow in the world," said Stacy quietly, "and has saved
the situation; but we mustn't trust too much to him for the present--not
even seem to.
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