"Of course, I shan't see defenceless women suffer——"
Lounsbury was piqued. "Not altogether defenceless, Colonel. But I can't stay at the shack——"
"True, true. Why not ask Mrs. Martin, Major Appleton's sister, to go over. Then you might guard from the barn, if they have one."
"That's a splendid suggestion, sir. It would solve the difficulty."
"I'd be glad to speak to Mrs. Martin about it." He thought a moment, passing a hand over his clean-shaven face. "You'd have to be relieved even then, John, I should think."
"Not at all."
"But you might. In that case——" He drew Lounsbury close, and spoke with his lips to the storekeeper's ear. "But you understand," he said aloud as he concluded, "that I know nothing about it. If I hear of it, I shall be very displeased, very."
Lounsbury was wringing his hand, and ready to bolt.
"All the same, John, I wish the civil authorities could get at the man."
"I wish so, too." He leaned over Jamieson.