"Your father needs a useful man. Jimmy's steady on an awkward pitch, but sometimes he's rash. The others are raw boys. It looks as if I've got to hit the trail."
"Frank is not a boy, and my father is a famous climber," Laura rejoined. "If he cannot cross the mountains, do you think it's possible for you? Then you ought to have started before. The police have followed Jimmy for some time and I think another party set off yesterday."
Deering thought to embarrass him gave her some satisfaction, but he smiled.
"I know you're not my friend, Miss Laura, and I must try to be resigned. All the same, unless you put me wise, it may be awkward for Jimmy. What about the last lot of police?"
She told him and he bowed. "Thank you! I'll get off."
"But the sergeant is in front of you and there is not a train."
"The police are pretty smart, but I've known them bluffed," Deering remarked. "Then the station agent and another fellow talked about a construction train's going up the line. I've traveled on board a calaboose before."
Laura hesitated, and then gave him her hand. "After all, I think you want to help, and if you agree to leave Frank alone—"
"I rather think you don't know your power," Deering rejoined with a twinkle. "Frank is well guarded from all my wiles. In fact, I'm willing to give you best."
"Oh, well," said Laura, "perhaps I was not just."