“So they are.”
“Ah, well, if that is really the case, I must apologise to them. I thought when you ordered Dean to bring in my luggage, and he obeyed with such docility, that he was your servant. I intended to offer him some money for that service, but I suppose I must not.”
“Certainly not. Those men will do anything for a friend, but nothing for one of whom they are suspicious. Their distrust, once aroused, is not easily removed. I am sure, however, you were tactful with them.”
Stranleigh smiled ruefully.
“I am not so certain of that myself. I fear I failed in diplomacy.”
“I do wish my father were here,” she said, ignoring his last remark. “I am very much worried about the men.”
“What do they know of your trouble with that man Ricketts?”
“They know all about it, and they now threaten to march into Bleachers in a body and, as we say, shoot up the town, including Ricketts, of course.”
“When do they intend to do this?”
“On the day of the auction sale.”