“Perchance Stalker and his villains may attempt to prove the truth of what you say,” suggested Fred.
“They will certainly attempt it” returned Paul, “but they are not what I call resolute men. Scoundrels are seldom blessed wi’ much resolution, an’ they’re never heartily united.”
“What makes you feel so sure that they will follow us up, Paul?”
“The fact that my enemy has followed me like a bloodhound for six years,” answered Bevan, with a frown.
“Is it touching too much on private matters to ask why he is your enemy, and why so vindictive?”
“The reason Is simple enough. Buxley hates me, and would kill me if he could. Indeed I’m half afraid that he will manage it at last, for I’ve promised my little gal that I won’t kill him ’cept in self-defence, an’ of course if I don’t kill him he’s pretty sure to kill me.”
“Does Betty know why this man persecutes you so?”
“No—she don’t.”
As it was evident, both from his replies and manner, that Bevan did not mean to be communicative on the subject, Fred forbore to ask more questions about it.
“So you think Unaco may be depended on?” he asked, by way of changing the subject.