“What is that?”
“That you lay down your pistol on the ground.”
Abner demurred, but finally felt compelled to do as he was commanded.
“That is well,” said Ralph, quietly. “Now, I will take care that you are not tempted by it again.”
He walked toward the pistol, lifted it, and, pointing it in the reverse direction, fired it off among the trees.
“So much for that,” he said. “Now, Herbert, you may come down.”
Herbert complied promptly. He felt the utmost confidence in the prowess and good faith of his new friend, and did not fear to descend, though his bitterest enemy awaited him beneath.
Meanwhile an idea struck Abner Holden. He saw that he was no match for Herbert as long as Ralph chose to befriend him. He resolved to enlist the latter on his side.
“Hark you, Ralph,” he said, “come aside with me. I wish to speak to you a moment.”
Ralph followed him a few paces in silence.