“He’s on leave of absence,” put in Grey.
“Can’t be helped. I’m sorry,” said the sheriff.
“It’s business, you know. Besides, it won’t take you more than an hour. I must get across to Verdon before noon or it’ll be too late to get the papers ‘backed’ there. Come on, man; you can get another cutter and follow Grey up in an hour. You won’t lose much time.”
“Yes, and who’s going to pay the damage?” said Robb, relinquishing his hold on the cutter’s rail.
The sheriff shrugged his shoulders.
“You’ll have to stay,” he said conclusively.
“I suppose so. Grey, I’m sorry.”
“Oh, it doesn’t matter,” replied Grey coldly. “It’s not your fault. Well, good-bye. Don’t bother to follow me up.”
“Damn!” ejaculated the good-hearted Robb, as the cutter moved away.