"Then it can be arranged. My brother-in-law wants to go to Campville. He is a strong, robust man, who is six feet in height, and would tip the scales at two hundred. If you have him with you I think your dishonest friend won't be in any hurry to attack you."
Gerald listened to these words with satisfaction. He knew that the highwayman was more than a match for him in physical strength, and might inflict upon him a serious injury. The plan proposed would insure his safety.
It chanced at this moment that the person referred to entered the bank.
"Louis," said the receiving teller, "here is a young man who offers to give you a ride to Campville."
"I shall consider it quite a favor."
"I ought to warn you that he may be stopped by a highwayman. If you feel nervous——"
"If there is only one person, I think we can manage him, Mr.——"
"Lane—Gerald Lane. Mr. Lane, here is my brother-in-law, Louis Bean."
Gerald shook hands with his new acquaintance, and gave a brief account of his encounter with the tramp on his way over.
"We will give him a warm reception if he undertakes to attack us, Mr. Lane. You played a neat trick on him. So you represent Mr. Nixon?"