Chester was about to make an angry retort, but Hal stayed him with a word.
"All right, Stubbs," he said. "If you don't know anything about a conspiracy you don't and that's all there is about that. But if you do, I should advise you to be careful. I believe that shot was meant for you."
"I am afraid that this tent is going to be dangerous for me," said
Stubbs, slowly. "I shall remain here no longer."
"What! Not going to leave us, Stubbs?" exclaimed Chester.
"Yes," returned the little man quietly. "If I remain here I'm liable to wake up dead some morning, and I wouldn't like that. There's an expression in New York that hits me just right. 'Safety first!' I'm going to get out of this tent, and I'm going to get out right now, while I'm all together."
He hurried to the far side of the tent and got his belongings together. Then he moved toward the door. There he paused a moment, as if undecided, then walked up to Hal and extended a hand.
"Good-bye, Hal," he said quietly. "I may not see you for some time and then again it may be soon."
Hal took the hand as he said:
"Look here, Stubbs, we don't like to lose you."
"I know, I know," said the little man, "but it will be better for all concerned."