"Yes, eluded all our men and never returned the horse."
"Skipped! Got away!" we cried in amazement.
"Yes, but he won't stay away long; he will come back."
We did not quite understand Oakes's speech, but there evidently was something behind it.
At this point, with his characteristic swiftness of movement, he lighted a cigar and began to smoke, offering the box to us all.
That meant that, as far as he was concerned, talking on business had ceased for a time. He was now recreating.
Elliott and I walked to a window and looked out upon the front walk and the road, conversing upon the manner in which Joe had been brought to Mona.
He had resisted the idea at first, but through the efforts of Martin and Elliott, and the promise of a reward, he had finally consented to the journey. They had explained to him that his refusal would defeat the ends of justice, and that escape was impossible; and when he realized that he had been unconsciously talking to watchers, and polishing their shoes in his innocence, he saw the folly of further remonstrance. Thus was the important evidence of the negro secured.
The strain of events was telling on us all. Quintus Oakes showed his deep concern by a tendency to leave us and remain alone.