While he was hitching up I set myself to thinking. While I was perfectly willing that Mr. Woodward should return to Darbyville, I did not wish to allow John Stumpy out of my sight. Once away, and I might not be able to lay hands on him.
Had I been sure that Kate had succeeded in finding the lost statement, I would not have cared, but the chances in her favor were slim, and I did not wish to run any risks.
"Are you going to drive around to the house for them?" I asked as the farmer finished the job.
"Guess I'll have to. It will be a beastly drive. Sorry I can't offer you a seat—it would be better than walking."
"I think I'll wait till it clears off," I returned. "I'm not on business, and&—"
"Say, Decker, how long is it going to take you to hitch up?" interrupted a voice from the doorway, and the next instant Mr. Woodward strode into the barn, followed by John Stumpy.
I did not have time to conceal myself. I tried to step behind a partition, but before I could do so the merchant's eye was on me.
"Roger Strong!" he exclaimed.
"Yes, sir," I replied, as boldly as I could.
"How did you get here?" he demanded.