Wilbraham. Not much, but some. Did you notice what he said yesterday?
Easterley. Yes, and he was telling the truth. The shot would probably send him to his own place, but he will be back again presently.
Wilbraham. Yes, but meanwhile you will have got a start, and if you are in one of the cars and can manage it you may escape.
[164] Easterley. Not very likely; but supposing I did, what is to become of you?
Wilbraham. I shall be working for myself all the time. Look here: this fellow who is to guide me will either try to kill me or to put me in the way of killing myself. I believe that he has instructions to that effect. I’ll watch him, and if I see any treachery I’ll send him to his own place and make off if only I can manage the car. For I intend that he shall take me into one of the cars. Then I will try to join you and we shall have perhaps a start of an hour or so before they get back and make ready to follow us.
I didn’t see much chance of success in his plan. You couldn’t look at it anywhere, I thought, without finding a flaw in it, and I told him as much.
“Never mind,” said he, “it is the unlikely thing that happens: let us be on the watch.”
Easterley
. On the watch, certainly; but look here, Jack: you and I are in imminent danger of death, but I am in danger of worse than death.
Wilbraham. Yesterday, perhaps; but not now, Bob.