It was in a grim determination to escape from this purgatory at all hazards that Mr. Wade finally jumped himself awake; and though every muscle in his body ached throbbingly, he gave a sigh of contentment as he stirred his face on his pillow.
* * * * *
Trevanion, coming up to the house on a summons from John Carrington, found young Carrington coming down the steps, looking a bit more of a swashbuckling dandy than ever.
“Morning, Trevanion,” he greeted him, buoyantly.
Then he nodded toward the waiting trap.
“I’m going to pay a morning call on the owners of the Tray-Spot,” he announced, genially.
“Confound ’em!” muttered Trevanion.
The lad looked him straight in the eyes, in the way Trevanion found so remarkable.
“Oh, I think they’re square,” he said, lightly, “and that Richards’ day is about done. It will decide itself in a few days now, anyway.”
Trevanion watched him with a curious expression as he drove off.