“Dick,” he whispered softly, “take him along with you, won’t you?”
He made a quick, almost imperceptible motion of his head toward the other room.
Merriwell’s eyes narrowed.
“Jellison?” he asked in the same low tone.
Archie nodded.
“Yes. Don’t let him stay in the house alone. Give him my gun, if you want to. I can’t tell you just now why I ask this, but it’s very important to me.”
“But he’ll be leaving this morning,” Dick objected.
“No, he won’t,” McCormick returned positively. “You mark my words, he’ll ask if he can’t stay through the day. Tell him yes, and ask him to go out with you. Will you do this much for me, Dick?”
Merriwell looked keenly at the face of the man before him, and Archie returned his gaze steadfastly. His eyes were anxious and pleading, but Dick could see no signs of guilt in them. Either the fellow was innocent, or he had amazing powers of dissimulation.
“Why can’t you confide in me, Mac?” Merriwell asked quickly.