That was too much for Camp. First he said something best omitted, and then went on, "I told you it was waste of time trying to win him over."
The three stood apart for a moment whispering, and then Judge Wilson called the sheriff over, and they all went out together. The moment we were alone, Frederic held out his hand, and said—
"Gordon, it's no use saying anything, but if we can ever do—"
I merely shook hands, but I wanted the worst way to say—
"Tell Madge what I've done, and the thing's square."
CHAPTER XIII
A LESSON IN POLITENESS
Within five minutes we had a big surprise, for the sheriff and Mr. Baldwin came back, and the former announced that Fred and Lord Ralles were free, having been released on bail. When we found that Baldwin had gone on the bond, I knew that there was a scheme of some sort in the move, and, taking Fred aside, I warned him against trying to recover the proxies.
"They probably think that one or the other of you knows where the letters are hidden," I whispered, "and they'll keep a watch on you; so go slow."
He nodded, and followed the sheriff and Lord Ralles out.