“Why not?”
“Dorsett is going to get him, that’s why.”
“You mean seize on the factory, don’t you?” inquired Ralph.
The man stared at Ralph fixedly. He was silent for nearly two minutes. He seemed to be turning something over in his mind. He gazed at the coin Ralph had given him. Then he glanced over his shoulder to see if any lurker was watching them.
“See here,” he asked in a low tone, “you’re on Glidden’s side, of course?”
“Yes, strongly.”
“You’ve been good to me. Saved me from starving. I’ll do something for you. Between twelve and one o’clock tomorrow morning, Dorsett and his men are going to pull that factory up yonder to pieces.”
[CHAPTER XXII—HOLDING THE FORT]
Ralph was a good deal startled at the statement of the man whom he had helped to some advantage, it seemed. He did not, however, show it. The man was grateful to him, and Ralph counted on his relating something further.
“I would be glad to have you tell me a little more about this business,” he said. “As I told you, I am a good deal interested in the welfare of Mr. Glidden.”