Not until they were a long way from the plantation did they stop and exchange their thoughts.
“He carried a revolver,” whispered Gerard.
“It was Harry Van Santen,” said Sir William.
After that, both men walked on faster, and said little, until they had reached a part of the road so open that there was no further need of caution.
Gerard by this time fully appreciated the value of Miss Davison’s warning. She had guessed that some attempt would be made upon the revengeful baronet, and had done her best for him by her quietly dropped word.
“Now,” said Gerard, when they could talk more freely, “you will understand the need of caution in dealing with these people. If you had been alone—”
Sir William nodded.
“It would have been all up with me by this time,” he added grimly. “Well, you were right, Buckland, one can’t be too careful in dealing with these people.”
“Will you take my advice now,” said Gerard earnestly, “and give up all idea of going to the police openly? Write to the Van Santens, say you’ve had a talk with me, and that you are convinced you made a mistake, and that you are ready to apologize! Tell them that we had an adventure to-night, that we came across a poacher, and nearly got up with him, that he took us for keepers and ran with all his might.”
The baronet looked at him quickly.