"
The three stood apart for a moment whispering, and then Judge Wilson
called the sheriff over, and they all went out together. The moment we
were alone, Frederic held out his hand, and said--
"Gordon, it's no use saying anything, but if we can ever do--"
I merely shook hands, but I wanted the worst way to say--
"Tell Madge what I've done, and the thing's square."
CHAPTER XIII
A LESSON IN POLITENESS
Within five minutes we had a big surprise, for the sheriff and Mr.
Baldwin came back, and the former announced that Fred and Lord Ralles
were free, having been released on bail. When we found that Baldwin
had gone on the bond, I knew that there was a scheme of some sort
in the move, and, taking Fred aside, I warned him against trying to
recover the proxies.
"They probably think that one or the other of you knows where the
letters are hidden," I whispered, "and they'll keep a watch on you; so
go slow."
He nodded, and followed the sheriff and Lord Ralles out.
The moment they were gone, Mr. Camp said, "I came back to give you a
last chance."
"That's very good of you," I said.
"I warn you," he muttered threateningly, "we are not men to be beaten.
There are fifty cowboys of Baldwin's in this town, who think you were
concerned in the holding up. By merely tipping them the wink, they'll
have you out of this, and after they've got you outside I wouldn't
give the toss of a nickel for your life. Now, then, will you hand over
those letters, or will you go to ---- inside of ten minutes?"
I lost my temper in turn.
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