"Wait," he said to the driver, as they alighted, "I shall want you to take me to the depot in ten minutes—come in, George, I want to talk with you and Seth," and he led the way straight to the back parlor.
Seth Stricket was still fast asleep on the lounge.
"Wake up, Seth!" said Old Spicer, giving him a vigorous shake. "You've had a long nap."
"What! back already?" demanded Seth, slowly raising himself to a sitting posture.
"Already? Why, man, it's all of three hours and a half since we left you."
"Is it possible!"
"It is indeed. And now, Seth, I want to talk to you. I have only time to say a few words, for I take the next train for New York—must start in ten minutes."
"The deuce! What's up?"
"We have learned that Mrs. Ernst's murderers came up from New York. Doubtless they have returned to the city again, and I must find them before they receive warning of my coming from two of their friends, whom George and I disturbed to-night."
"But did not capture?"