“Oh, I guess not.” Billy turned away with more jauntiness than he felt.
“See here, boy!” Billy could see that the man was serious and sober. “I know—those hounds have it in for Mr. Smith.”
“But surely he is prepared.”
“For what will happen down there,” he pointed to the valley, “but not here. The ladies—they came home.”
“Mr. Smith didn’t expect them. It can’t be helped now.”
“Not helped? Why doesn’t he send them to town?”
Billy thought hard. Why didn’t he, to be sure? There must be some reason,—perhaps it must not be known that Mr. Smith expected trouble,—but whatever his motive Billy must stand by him, stand by May Nell and her mother. “He had his reasons; it’s not for you or me to question them.”
“Perhaps not.”
“Are you going down there?” Billy nodded toward the railroad.
“No. He needs help here. They’d like to see this viaduct go up in smoke, those Tum-wah rascals.”