"You are very kind to take so much trouble," said Mr. Paine, but there was neither gratitude nor cordiality in his tone.
Halbert thought it was time to be going, and accordingly got up and took his leave. As he opened the office door to go out, he found himself face to face with Robert Rushton, who passed him with a slight nod, and with an air of trouble entered the presence of his friend's father.
CHAPTER XV.
HALBERT'S MALICE.
Robert was forced, by Ben Haley's, taking possession of his boat to give up for the present his design of recrossing the river. He felt bound to go back and inform Paul of Ben's escape.
"He has carried off my gold," exclaimed Paul, in anguish. "Why didn't you catch him?"
"He had too much start of us," said Robert's companion. "But even if we had come up with him, I am afraid he would have proved more than a match for us. He is a desperate man. How much money did he take away with him?"
"More than five hundred dollars," wailed the old man. "I am completely ruined!"
"Not quite so bad as that, Mr. Nichols. You have your farm left."
But the old man was not to be comforted. He had become so wedded to his gold that to lose it was like losing his heart's blood. But was these no hope of recovery?
"Why don't you go after him?" he exclaimed, suddenly. "Raise the neighbors. It isn't too late yet."