“He probably sent the men on the chase as soon as he found that the miners had got away,” continued Wilson. “Then he’s alone——”
He caught himself; but we know what he intended to say.
“Chanler is better, you say?” I said, rising.
“Sure,” said Pierce. “He’s nervous and shaky, but he’s a human being again.”
“What are you going to do, sir?” asked Wilson as I stepped to the door. “Going up there? Well, there’s a canoe in the port storage-room forward, sir?”
“Good! Pierce, will you get the canoe out and put it in the water? I’ll go and have a little talk with Chanler.”
“You bet! Say, Brains, wha’d’ you do with the rifle you copped off Barry?”
I told him where I had hidden the weapon and went out. Chanler should have his chance. He must be a man now if ever. Riordan was with Chanler in the latter’s stateroom when I entered. Chanler had come out of his madness. He was nervous and looked ill, but his eyes were sane again. He was lying in a lounge-chair with Riordan at his side.
“Good gad, Gardy! I am glad to see you!” cried George as I entered. “Here, sit down and talk to me; talk to me, you hear? Say something. Riordan, you’re relieved. Take a rest, like Simmons. Gardy, say something. I’ve got to have somebody talk to me or I’ll—I’ll start hitting it up again.”
Riordan was regarding me suspiciously.