"If you'll only listen to reason," began the merchant, "I will prove&—"
The rest of his remark was drowned out in a clap of thunder. Somewhat startled, I looked up at the sky.
The black clouds in the south had rolled up rapidly, until now the entire horizon was covered. The first burst of thunder was succeeded directly by several others, and then large drops of rain began to fall.
The wind blew the drops directly into the window. I crouched down out of sight, and the next moment Mr. Woodward said:&—
"It's raining in the window. We'd better close it up."
Of course directly the window was closed I could hear no longer. I remained in my position for half a minute or more, and then as the rain began to pour down rapidly I made a break for better shelter.
I sought the barn. It was a low, rambling structure, with great wide doors. No one seemed to be around, and I rushed in without ceremony. I was pretty fairly soaked, but as it was warm I did not mind the ducking. I shook out my hat and coat and then sat down to think matters over.
What I had heard had not given me much satisfaction. To be sure, it had proved beyond a doubt that Mr. Aaron Woodward was a thorough scoundrel, but of this I had been already satisfied in my own mind.
What was I to do? I had asked myself that question several times, and now I asked it again.
If only I could get John Stumpy arrested, perhaps it would be possible to force him to make a confession. But how was this to be done?