“You wrong me—indeed, you do. I am taking him out as far as Salt Lake City, and my expenses are to be paid by his friends.”
This was the best story that Mr. Burnett could devise upon the spur of the moment.
“All I can say is that his friends can’t know much about you. You didn’t mention to them the term you had served in——”
“Hush!” said Burnett, looking about him in alarm. “Don’t you know any better than to blurt out such things where people may hear?”
“Well, I’ll keep mum for your sake.”
“Do so, and I’ll make it worth your while, Jack.”
“When?”
“When I return to St. Joe.”
“When will that be?”
“Before long.”