Bart was very much puzzled.
"I think I see how it is," he said after a brief period of reflection, "you are afraid of being recognized?"
"Think that if you want to, maybe you're right," returned Baker. "Anyway, I don't want to do anything or have you do anything that will mix you up in my troubles. My way is the safe way. Will you do what I ask?"
"Yes," answered Bart promptly. "Can't I get the things you want to-night?"
"I am afraid not, for most of the stores are closed."
"That's right. Well, then, let me make a suggestion: I have two keys to the new express office. I'll give you one. After dark, if you don't want to do it in daylight, go over and unlock the door. Pick out two or three dry-goods boxes from the heap behind the shed, carry them in and rig up any kind of private quarters you like at the far corner of the shed. I'll see that nobody disturbs you. In a couple of hours I will bring you a blanket from the house and a nice warm lunch, and you can be comfortable and safe. I will relock the door on you, and if you want to leave at any time you can unfasten a window and get out."
Baker did not reply. Bart heard him mumbling to himself as though debating the proposition submitted to him.
"I don't want to make you a lot of trouble," he finally faltered out.
"Of course you don't, and won't," asserted Bart—"you want to give me pleasure, though, don't you? So you do as I suggest, and I'll sleep a good deal sounder than if you didn't. Here's the key. I will be over to the express office about eight o'clock. Is it a bargain?"
"Yes," answered the strange man.