The old man did not make any reply, for he had not yet recovered from the effects of the combat, and was unable to utter a word; and Kay, having satisfied himself that he had secured all the money in his possession, hastily retreated from the spot, and springing into the fields, threw away the poncho, and made the best of his way towards the hotel, which he reached in an almost inconceivable short space of time, and, without betraying any emotion, entered the bar, as was his usual custom, and taking his seat called for a mug of ale.
He had not been there long, when he heard a loud shouting and hallooing outside the house, and he immediately recognized the tones.
‘Why,’ said the landlord, laying down his pipe, ‘that certainly is the voice of a friend; what the deuce can be the matter with him?’
Kay felt a little alarmed; but he concealed his agitation, and continued with apparent unconcern, to smoke his pipe, and to be completely absorbed in the enjoyment of that and his ale. He would have been glad to have retired to his chamber, so that he might have escaped all observation, but he was fearful that he might, by so doing, probably excite suspicion, and he therefore kept his seat and pretended to take no notice of what was passing.
The landlord having hastened to the door of the house to meet his guest, and to inquire what was the matter with him was quickly heard returning accompanied by the old man, who was grumbling, and swearing all the way.
On entering the bar, the drover gazed round upon the different persons there assembled, but appeared to take little notice of Kay, whose assumed color, no doubt, removed every idea of his being the robber from his mind.
‘He was a most desperate scoundrel, whoever he is,’ said the drover, ‘and I feel the effects of his d—d knuckles on my throat, now. I wish I could only meet with the fellow, and I warrant me he’d not escape from my clutches again, very easily.’
‘This is a bad job, a terrible bad job,’ said the landlord.
‘Aye, it is indeed a bad job,’ said the drover, ‘two thousand dollars is no small sum to lose as times go.’