Chapter XIV
“It’s a long worm that has no turning.”
—J. W. Pringle.
THE tracking of Borrowman had ended on Wednesday in the wee sma’ hours. On Friday Jeff found this communication in his morning paper:
Run to earth hear everything by hot air now is time for party to aid himself to-night at nine sharp be at fire signal when ready by cowboy’s lament hold fast all six fine friends I give you.
Jeff was pleased. Yet this was the hardest day of his captivity. He made things very unpleasant for Borrowman, who was on guard, his drunk having disarranged the previous schedule. The day dragged slowly on. Mac came at seven and Borrowman left as soon as supper was cooked.
Jeff had let the fire run low. He stood with his back to it, carrying on an earnest conversation with Mac, who sat on the bed.
“What time is it, Mac?”
“Eight-feefty.”
“Most bedtime,” said Jeff, yawning. “Can’t you manage to stick it out till this time to-morrow night?” he demanded querulously. “That’ll put it back the way it was, so Borrowman’ll be on while I’m asleep. That filthy brute isn’t fit for a gentleman to associate with. Besides, he’ll be letting me get away.”