"Can I say or do anything to smooth matters? Tell me what it's all about."
"Ask that coward, he knows well enough, and perhaps will tell you when I'm gone."
"But would it not be better for you to tell me yourself?"
"Don't you interfere, Jack," exclaimed Charles, "as after what that blackguard——"
"Repeat that word, you cur," shouted the farmer angrily, as he advanced upon Charles, "and I'll shake the life out of you! Repeat it, I say, if you dare!"
"I was about to say, when I was stopped, that I should not think of staying now under any circumstances."
"No fear that such a sneak as you have shown yourself to be would be asked."
"I think," broke in John, "it would be as well, Mr. Ranger, if you were now to give me some idea what it all means."
"Well, I'll tell you, John. About two months ago I had a private conversation with Fellows, as we were one evening seated outside the homestead. He and I were supposed to be the only two persons present; but there was another listening, concealed in the bushes, who not only overheard all that was said, but sent a report of our conversation at once to Mr. Quinion, at Broadstone in England."
"How have you learned this?" asked John.