Mr. Osborne stood a moment, looking after the departing train. Then, frowning, he got on Rosinante and rode slowly homeward. Half a mile from the station he met Jake Andrews, coming on merely because he had started, and much surprised at seeing the fugitive whom he had long ago given up hopes of overtaking.
“Andrews,� Mr. Osborne said crisply, “come with me to Smith’s place. We must make certain——�
“Come with you!� Andrews recovered himself enough to sneer. “You’ll come with me, under arrest.�
“Nonsense, man!� Black Mayo threw open his coat and displayed a badge that made Andrews stare. “Don’t make yourself a bigger laughingstock than you’re bound to be when people find out you let yourself be that scoundrel’s tool.�
“Wh-what do you mean, Mr. Mayo?� stammered Andrews.
“Come and find out,� commanded Mr. Osborne.
Down the road they met a party of horsemen; Mr. Tavis, Mr. Blair—oh! the whole Village, astonished at Black Mayo’s arrest, was following after, hoping to have the mystery explained.
But for the moment Black Mayo made no explanation.
“Come!� he said, hurrying on to the old Tolliver place.
Albert Smith came out to meet them. His eyelids were red, and he looked lonesome and miserable, but he met Mr. Osborne’s eyes bravely and frankly answered his questions. His uncle had gone away very early that morning.