CHAPTER XIV—MY FIRST MOVE
THE woman who had so unmercifully used me had not taken into account the fact that the spirit is stronger than the flesh. Certainly, the next morning I wanted nothing so much as to lie still in my bed for a week. My cuts and bruises were stiff and sore; I ached from head to foot. But my resolution was strong. I had my meals sent up to me that day, however, but in the evening, after dinner, I sent for Sara.
She came and presented herself, sullen and impassive, at the foot of my bed. I fixed my eyes on her as coldly and malevolently as I could.
“Sara,” I said, “as you see, I chose to be laid up to-day.”
She grinned.
“Now, without a moment's delay I want you to leave for Pine Cone and stay there for the next twenty-four hours, or until I send for you.”
She looked surprised and reluctant, a red flush came up into her big face.
“So's you can make off with the swag,” she muttered; then shrank at the scowl I gave her, and made an awkward and unwilling apology.