"He just came in by that door back of you. I had no time to warn you."
"I'm a poor conspirator. Must I hunt Mr. Selby up, and apologize for the liveliness of my imagination?"
Ralston looked grave. "You must do as you please, but I'd let the cards lie as they fell. Selby has a violent temper,--"
"He certainly looked murderous."
"I can't understand why he walked off without saying anything. I should have expected him to do something violent. I saw him beat a horse nearly to death once because he was in a rage,--"
"That settles it. I shall not apologize. I'm glad he heard me."
Ralston laughed. "I'm glad you came to High Ridge! Do stay. We may be able to afford you some entertainment. You should hear Hadley! He is terrified to death for fear something will happen to him next because he rashly made the remark that we are not safe in our beds so long as the Underwoods are loose."
"What does he expect to happen?"
"Goodness knows!" Then, with a mischievous look, he added: "Henry Underwood's methods are always original! It will probably be a surprise."
Burton once more, to speak figuratively, threw his time-table into the waste-basket. He certainly could not leave High Ridge while things were in this chaotic condition. He must at least wait until something definite happened.