Elsie was silent for a moment, while a faint touch of color crept into her face. His explanation about the boat had not deceived her, and she had noted his searching glance when he first came in. Marshall must have been hiding near by when she was talking to Staffer, and have given Andrew a hint. It was for her sake he had hurried back. She knew that he had hurried, because she had tactfully led Whitney into making some admissions about their speed. She hardly thought she had been in actual danger; but she knew that she was quite safe now, and her heart went out to the man who had come to help. If only she could confide in him! But it was impossible. His very loyalty to her made her feel more strongly that she could not betray her uncle and bring disgrace upon her mother.
"Marshall gave me a message for you," she said. "I'll deliver it as nearly as I can."
She watched him as she repeated the fisherman's words. Andrew was a bad actor and she was not misled by his clumsy indifference. It looked as if he knew that the man with the red mustache had dealings with Williamson and Staffer.
"Thank you," he said. "I'm afraid we'll have to go west again, before long."
Elsie put down her knitting.
"You'll be careful, Andrew. I want you to keep out of danger."
His heart beat fast, for he saw that she was anxious about him. Elsie knew something and would be sorry if he got hurt; but he must not alarm her or show where his suspicions led.
"Of course I will," he answered cheerfully. "As a matter of fact, I'm not running much risk."
"I'd rather you didn't think so; it leads to carelessness. You won't be rash?"