"I say he did go. He looked honest," said the conductor.
"You bet with me, don't you?" The big man nodded to Rosalie, who laughed and replied: "Yes, I say he didn't go."
"And the other young ladies?"
"I say he did," Janet told him.
"And I believe he didn't," Marian decided.
"What do you say?" The big man addressed the countryman who sat where his lantern cast a glow upon his sharp narrow face.
The countryman was cautious, from the battered hat upon his head to his thick hide boots. He was not one to commit himself. His caution was ingrained, and even in such a question as this, he refused to become involved. He didn't know; he couldn't say. He guessed he wouldn't vote either way.
"Then it's a tie," decided the big man, hitching himself still nearer the fire. "I guess you young ladies will find you have got to make your trip back to town on this car, for I guess you ain't going to see no carriage this night."
Rosalie sighed, but Janet whispered, "I believe the carriage will come yet. What did your messenger look like?"
"I couldn't see his face very well," Rosalie told her. "His clothes were rather rough, but his voice was pleasant, the voice of a gentleman. I might have thought him one, if he hadn't said 'yes, miss,' and 'no, miss.'"