"I have just been up to the Reservation for a few days, trying to find some Indian baskets," Burton went on, feeling his way conversationally into the murky atmosphere. "You see your collection inspired me, Mr. Selby. And I learn that important things have been happening in High Ridge 'while I was away." He smiled significantly at Selby, who scowled in embarrassment, and then escaped from personalities by his customary way of anger.
"At any rate, there haven't been any houses set afire lately."
"No, nor any hold-ups in the streets, nor any shots fired through people's windows," Burton said lightly. "All seems to have been beautifully quiet. But I hear that Henry goes free today."
"Goes free?" repeated Selby nervously. "So I hear. Probably they came to the conclusion that they didn't have sufficient reason for holding him."
Selby jumped from his chair and fidgetted across the room. Ben watched him with the hint of a malicious smile chasing the shadows from his face. It was Mrs. Bussey who spoke.
"Then like as not some one will be held up or some house will be set afire tonight."
"Oh, I hope not," said Burton, with a good show of concern. "That would make it look pretty black for Henry. But I hear that Watson didn't want to let him out just on that account. Henry and Watson are not very good friends, it seems."
"Watson knows the tricks that Henry was up to six years ago," said Mrs. Bussey.
"Well, I may be able to get Henry out of town by to-morrow," said Burton. "If he isn't in High Ridge, nobody can blame him if Watson's house burns after that. I guess it's safe to risk it for one night."
Ben had turned his head away indifferently. He still seemed to be brooding over something, and heedless of Burton's talk. But Selby turned abruptly from the window where he had been standing, and flared out at Burton.