s gone to Deer Creek on business."

When Melville saw the rapid glance of satisfaction interchanged by the
two visitors he realized that he had made an imprudent admission. He
suspected that their design was to rob him, and he had voluntarily
assured them that he was alone, and that they could proceed without
interruption.

"Sorry not to see him," said Warner. "I'd like to renew our pleasant
acquaintance."

Melville was about to reply that Herbert would be back directly, when it
occurred to him that this would be a fresh piece of imprudence. It would
doubtless lead them to proceed at once to the object of their visit,
while if he could only keep them till his boy companion did actually
return, they would at least be two to two. Even then they would be by no
means equally matched, but something might occur to help them.

"I suppose Herbert will return by evening," he replied. "You can see him
if you remain till then."

Another expression of satisfaction appeared upon the faces of his two
visitors, but for this he was prepared.

"Sorry we can't stay till then," said Warner, "but business of
importance will limit our stay. Eh, Brown?"

"I don't see the use of delaying at all!" growled Brown, who was not
as partial as his companion to the feline amusement of playing with his
intended victim. With him, on the contrary, it was a word, and a blow,
and sometimes the blow came first.

"Come to business!" continued Brown, impatiently, addressing his
associate.

"That is my purpose, friend Brown."

"Mr. Melville, it is not solely the pleasure of seeing you that has led
my friend and myself to call this afternoon."

Melville nodded.

"So I supposed," he said.

"There is a little unfinished business between us, as you will remember.
I owe you a return for the manner in which you saw fit to throw
suspicion upon me some time since, when we were traveling together."

"I shall be very glad to have you convince me that I did you an
injustice," said Melville. "I was led to believe that you and your
friend now present were leagued together to rob us of our money and
valuables. If it was not so--"

"You were not very far from right, Mr. Melville. Still it was not polite
to express your suspicions so rudely. Besides, you were instrumental in
defeating our plan."

"I can't express any regret for that, Col. Warner, or Jerry Lane, as I
suppose that is your real name."

"I am Jerry Lane!" said Warner, proudly. "I may as we