At bedtime he declined to return to his own house; particularly when a summons to that effect was sent across by Clapperton, who by this time had a very good idea of the rebel’s whereabouts.
“I’m not going over,” said Corder.
“But you can’t stay here all night,” said Denton.
“What shall you do—turn me out?” asked the fugitive.
“No. But you’d better go, and if you don’t like the look of things out there, you’d better speak to Forder.”
“No. I’d sooner stop,” said Corder, doggedly. “I’m sorry to put you fellows about after your being so kind, but I’m not going over there.”
Yorke was consulted, and took upon himself the responsibility of detaining the refugee for the night.
“All right, thanks,” said Corder, and turned in.
Next morning word came from Mr Forder requiring that the truant should answer for his absence.
Corder obeyed, with some misgivings, and explained briefly that he had been bullied and did not want to stand it.