“He will not come back,” said the sergeant quietly.
“That is bad,” remarked Armitage. “Take my horse and ride down to Storm Springs and tell Baron von Marhof and Judge Claiborne that Captain Claiborne has found John Armitage, and that he presents his compliments and wishes them to come to Mr. Armitage’s house at once. Tell them that Captain Claiborne sent you and that he wants them to come back with you immediately.”
“But Armitage—not Marhof—for God’s sake, not Marhof.” Chauvenet staggered to his feet and his voice choked as he muttered his appeal. “Not Marhof!”
“We can fix this among ourselves—just wait a little, till we can talk over our affairs. You have quite the wrong impression of us, I assure you, Messieurs,” protested Durand.
“That is your misfortune! Thanks for the brandy, Monsieur Durand. I feel quite restored,” said Armitage, rising; and the color swept into his face and he spoke with quick decision.
“Oh, Claiborne, will you kindly give me the time?”
Claiborne laughed. It was a laugh of real relief at the change in Armitage’s tone.
“It’s a quarter of seven. This little scrap didn’t take as much time as you thought it would.”
Oscar had mounted Armitage’s horse and Claiborne stopped him as he rode past on his way to the road.
“After you deliver Mr. Armitage’s message, get a doctor and tell him to be in a hurry about getting here.”