"And I shall not breathe easy as long as I know you remain here, where you may become subject to such insults as to-day happened. It is no place for you at the present time. Holbrook is well enough in its way; but you are too pretty to walk its streets without an escort. Western gentlemen are gentlemen in every sense of the word, and no man can hold the honor of a lady more sacred; but Western ruffians are dangerous, and it seems there are several of the latter class in this place."
"I must remain while mother stays here; I must stay with her."
The letter was dropped in the post-office, and June urged Frank to depart at once; but he insisted on escorting her back to the hotel.
Boxer kept close to their heels, seeming to listen to their conversation at times; but, strange though it may appear, he made no attempt to take part in it, nor did he speak as much as one word during all the time that he seemed neglected by his master.
Frank made a sign to Bart, who crossed the street and joined them.
"I have decided to leave town right away," said Merry. "Have the horses saddled and prepared. We'll start as soon as I have escorted Miss Arlington back to the hotel."
Hodge looked surprised.
"The horses are in no condition, Frank," he said. "You know they are in sore need of a good rest."
"I know it, Bart; but I have a reason for this. We'll go. Get them ready, please."