Nick was more than pleased at his good fortune in getting within reach of the tricky sporting men’s tool so soon.
He suspected, however, that the man he was with would be followed by his scheming employers from that time until the race was over.
He was fully aware that men who commit crimes and engage others to assist them in their nefarious work never trust their tools implicitly.[{21}]
His first idea was to ascertain whether spies had actually been set upon his companion.
He also desired to know whether Chick was in a position to be within reach if needed.
In order to do all this it was necessary for him to leave Amos alone for at least a few moments.
“Look here,” he said, as they were starting up the street, “I’m a little anxious about those men down there. I’d like to know whether they are hurt much.”
“Well, we’ll go back if you like.”
“No, you step into this saloon, and I’ll go back alone. They know you there, but they don’t know me.”
Amos did as requested, and Nick started rapidly down the street.