“The lieutenant?”
“Yes; he is my second in command. Our relations have not always been cordial. He is in the habit of exceeding his proper authority, and more than once I have been compelled to reprimand him publicly. Though he has taken it quietly, I have reason to believe that he never forgave me—that, in fact, he cherishes a secret grudge against me, and that he would willingly undermine my authority with the band. He has not as yet had an opportunity.”
“I should think, then, that he would be glad to have you leave, in order that he might succeed to your authority.”
“That would not satisfy him. He would not be willing to have me better myself in so doing. He would prefer that I should be cast adrift in disgrace.”
“Have you decided upon your plan?” asked our hero.
“Yes; after breakfast I will dismiss you and the other prisoners. They will go on to the mines, I suppose.”
“Yes, I think so.”
“You will not.”
“No; I shall return to San Francisco.”
“Good. I shall follow you. It would create suspicion if we should go together. You shall give me your address there, and I will join you. Then we will take the first steamer to New York.”