“Why are we waiting, sir?” he demanded, his tone cold and formal.
“Something has occurred to detain Price,” answered Mahaffy.
The colonel and Ware exchanged looks. Again they spoke together, while Mahaffy watched the road. Ten minutes slipped by in this manner, and once more Fentress addressed Mahaffy.
“Do you know what could have detained him?” he inquired, the ghost of a smile curling his thin lips.
“I don't,” said Mahaffy, and relapsed into a moody and anxious silence. He held dueling in very proper abhorrence, and only his feeling of intense but never-declared loyalty to his friend had brought him there.
Another interval of waiting succeeded.
“I have about reached the end of my patience; I shall wait just ten minutes longer,” said Fentress, and drew out his watch.
“Something has happened—” began Mahaffy.
“I have kept my engagement; he should have kept his,” Fentress continued, addressing Ware. “I am sorry to have brought you here for nothing, Tom.”
“Wait!” said Mahaffy, planting himself squarely before Fentress.