Stuart smiled when Hawthorne had gone from the room. He saw the promoter's game.
Currying favor with Mayo, Hawthorne probably made it a point to introduce all desirable persons to the millionaire. It was a system that worked both ways. It enabled Hawthorne to impress his prospects, and also to better his position with Mayo. Stuart wondered if the millionaire was wise to the game. Hawthorne was smiling when he returned.
"Let's go," he said. "Mayo says he will be glad to see us." They left the cottage and stepped out into blackness. The night was cloudy, and it was impossible to see a step ahead. As they were feeling their way toward the car, Hawthorne suddenly pressed Stuart's arm. They stood silent for a moment; then continued their way. When they reached the car, and Hawthorne had turned the lights on, the promoter explained his action.
"It's rather lonely out here," he said. "All right when the family is here, and friends are around. But it's early in the season, and I'm up here alone.
"I've got a man here on the place — a young fellow who helps me in the real-estate business; but he goes home on certain nights, once or twice a week. It gives me the creeps once in a while; just then I thought I heard someone prowling around."
Stuart felt no qualms as they were driving through the woods; but Hawthorne's remarks interested him. Stuart decided to take advantage of the turn in conversation.
"I shouldn't think you'd be worried up here," he said. "I guess most of the people are honest farmers — "
"It's not the people up here," interrupted Hawthorne quickly. "They're the best in the world. It's strangers — outsiders, you know.
"Well" — he laughed, a trifle nervously — "I've been around so much in this promotion work, I guess I'm apt to worry foolishly. But you bump into so many cranks. People who have imaginary grievances — " He went no further, but Stuart began to understand. He recalled that Harry had said Hawthorne had been engaged in various enterprises which had ended unfortunately. Perhaps the man had reason to fear some menace.
Stuart looked toward his companion and saw the outline of Hawthorne's pale face. He realized that the man had been actually frightened.