“You are right, Will; I shall not speak of it.”
“Nor don’t look it, nor wink it, nor let it out in any way. There will be somebody doubtful of our long talk here. Tell Gus Wilson and the rest of them that I begged off, and made you promise me another week’s trial.”
“Very well; I shall do so. No one shall learn anything from me.”
“Not Wilson, nor Fitler, nor none of them. The job can’t be done if it gets in the wind.”
“But how will you manage to remain after night, without its being known?”
“Easy enough. You send me away just afore six. Trust me to snake my way back.”
Will then went quietly out of the office, leaving the merchant plunged in deep thought.
CHAPTER XIX.
A PRISON CELL.
John Elkton had been a week in prison. His arrest had excited much indignation among his friends, who had a high opinion of his character. His silence, however, in regard to the damaging charge against him excited distrust in some, even his friends. His employer was one of these. He offered to see that John was released on bail, if he would only explain to him this mystery. But John would not explain, and did not want bail.