“But I promised to see him.”
“That you can do this evening.”
Peek gave up the letter, and Kenrick darted out of the room.
Turning to Vance and Winslow, Peek remarked: “I thank you for your confidence, gentlemen. I’ll do my best to deserve it.”
“I wish our banks deserved it as well,” said Vance; then he added: “And now, Peek, make your arrangements carefully, and be with the carriage at the door just under my window at nine o’clock precisely.”
Peek compared watches with Vance, promised to be punctual, and took his leave.
Vance rang the bell, and ordered a private dinner for two. Unlocking a drawer, he took from it two revolvers and handed one to Winslow, with the remark, “You are skilled in the use of the pistol, I suppose?”
“Though I’ve been a planter and owned slaves, I must say no.”
“Then a revolver would rather be a danger than a security.”
And Vance thrust the pistols into the side pockets of his own coat.