That saved Defarge from answering an unpleasant question and explaining how he came to be ahead of those men.
But Bart Hodge had heard the question and had noted that no answer was given.
When the men started on again, Bart was at Merry’s side. He soon found an opportunity to say, using a guarded tone:
“You still have some enemies, Frank—or an enemy, at least.”
“Then you think——”
“Of course! Somebody tried to knock your brains out with that stone.”
“I don’t like to think that,” declared Frank. “And yet——”
“You can’t help it. Your enemies have been chirping mighty soft of late, but it was because they didn’t dare sing louder. They are not all dead, or converted. Where is Morgan?”
“Somewhere on the road. You know I have that fellow’s pledge.”
“Which doesn’t amount to shucks!”