A visible breath of relief lifted his breast. He now would have been glad for some one to boot him along the street for ever mentioning the thing. He almost had put his foot in it. Apparently she was not interested in seeking further knowledge of the subject that he so ill-advisedly had brought up. Lucky for him she hadn’t the inquisitiveness of some girls.
The narrow escape restored a trace of his good humor, and he was shrewd enough to divert her mind before the incident made an impression. He reached out and patted her shoulder.
“Don’t think me a scold, darling,” said he. “Burkhardt upset me with his news, that was all. He hates that gun-man so much that it’s no wonder he was angry at seeing him hoodwink you. He probably imagined a lot. Just don’t speak to Weir if he tries to stop you again. And pretty soon we’ll have him where he won’t interfere with anybody.”
“When will that be?”
“The county attorney’s still collecting evidence. Nothing will be done before the grand jury meets, which is in a couple of weeks. You must arrange to go off on a visit about that time.”
“Why?”
“So you won’t have to go through the ordeal of appearing in court. There are ways of fixing such things.” He laughed softly. “Especially here in San Mateo County. It’s too rotten a business for you to have to step into, this murder. Come along down to the drug store and have some ice cream.”
“Not to-night. I’m feeling a little tired.”
“Then let us rest on your porch. I haven’t seen you twice in the last week.”