"There—there ain't nothing to tell," answered the man in a low, half-angry voice.
"You are Gus Collins! I know you, now. I was sure I had seen the man whose description was sent out by the police and the government officials."
The stoker's face went ghastly.
"Yes, I am. Now what are you going to do about it?" he demanded, rising to his full height, standing over Rush in a threatening attitude.
"I am going to talk with you for the present. I think I have a right to do that, and see if there isn't something I can do for you after all you have done for me. Sit down, Gus."
With a bewildered look on his face, the stoker sank into the chair.
"Tell me the whole story, Gus," urged Rush gently. "You need not be afraid of me. I am your friend, no matter what you have done."
For a full five minutes Collins did not speak. It was plain to the keen-eyed boy before him that the man was battling with himself and was trying to decide what his course of action should be.
"Did you have any part in the robbery of that post-office?" urged Steve.