"It is not unsupported. I brought with me Edward Jones, my faithful assistant, who has seen your attempt to injure me."
At this, Edward, a stalwart young man of twenty-four, stepped into view.
"I saw it all," he said, briefly.
"You are ready to lie, and he to swear to it," said Wolverton, but his voice was not firm, for he saw that the testimony against him was too strong to be easily shaken.
"I don't wonder you deny it, Mr. Wolverton," said Bob.
"I won't remain here any longer to be insulted," said Wolverton, who was anxious to get away, now that his plan had failed.
Bob did not reply, and the agent slunk away, feeling far from comfortable.
"What cursed luck sent the boy to the creek to-night?" he said to himself. "I was on the point of succeeding, and then I would have had him in my power. Could he have heard anything?"
Wolverton decided, however, that this was not likely. He attributed Bob's presence to chance, though his words seemed to indicate that he suspected something. He was obliged to acknowledge his defeat. Yet it would be possible for him to return in an hour or two, and carry out his evil plan. But it would be too hazardous. The crime would inevitably be traced to him, and he would be liable to arrest. No, hard though it was to bring his mind to it, he must forego his scheme, and devise something else.
When the agent had left the scene, Bob Burton said: "Edward, you may go home. I mean to stay here on guard."