I was alarmed by Mrs. Decker's request. Suppose the trio should come out? I would surely be discovered. But my fears were groundless, as the next words of Mr. Woodward proved.
"I can't go out now, madam, not now. I haven't time. I have a little business to transact with this man, and then I must return to Darbyville."
"I'm sorry&—" began the woman.
"So am I; but it cannot be helped. Can I use this room for a while?"
By the look upon Mrs. Decker's face it was plain to see she wanted to say, "No, you can't," but she hardly dared to speak the words, so she gave an icy assent and withdrew.
The merchant followed her to the door and saw that it was closed tightly behind her. Then he strode across the room and faced John Stumpy.
"Wall, sir, now we'll have an accounting," he began in an authoritative voice.
"So we will, Woody," returned John Stumpy, in no wise abashed by the other's manner.
The merchant winced at the use of a nickname, but after an instant's hesitation passed it over.
"What do you mean by coming to Darbyville, sir, when I have repeatedly written you to stay away?"