There was a general negative, and Dick turned to Joblots.
“Perhaps you’d like to stay with us this morning and shoot?” he suggested pleasantly.
His tone was quite casual, but he had a distinct object in giving the invitation.
The dapper little fellow seemed suddenly to experience a change of heart.
“Thank you very much,” he returned hastily, “but I think I’d better not thtay. I’d better be getting back, and it will be pleathanter having thome one to go with.”
“Just as you please,” Dick said carelessly.
But he turned away with a feeling of distinct satisfaction. He had found out what he wanted to know. Joblots was evidently determined not to let McCormick out of his sight. And now arose the question: Why was he following Archie? Dick’s thoughts were suddenly broken in upon by Andrew Jellison.
“Perhaps, since Mr. Joblots doesn’t wish to shoot,” he said, in the pleasantest tone of voice, “you wouldn’t mind if I took his place for the morning. I am very fond of shooting, and I don’t suppose you will object to my staying here until this afternoon when I can start back in time to get the last train to the city?”
So Archie was right. Jellison did want to stay, after all.
“No objection whatever,” Merriwell returned. “You can take McCormick’s gun, for he won’t use it till afternoon.”