“Possibly I may have a special reason for being so,” returned George Melville.
“What do you mean?” demanded the Colonel, quickly. “If you have, we are all interested, and ought to know it.”
“The Colonel is right,” said the German. “If you know of any danger, it is only fair to inform us all.”
“I am disposed to agree with you, gentlemen,” said Melville. “Briefly, then, I have good reason to think that this company of passengers has been marked for plunder.”
Col. Warner started, but, quickly recovering himself, he laughed uneasily.
“Tush!” he said, “I put no faith in it. Some one has been deceiving you, my friend.”
But the other passengers took it more seriously.
“You evidently know something that we do not,” said Parker.
“I do,” answered Melville.
Col. Warner looked at him searchingly, but did not speak.