Gordon noticed that his florid face had lost its color. The jaunty cock-sureness of the man had flickered out like the flame of the charred match.
"Yes. He offered to board me," answered the young man blandly.
"But—I didn't know he was here—seems to me I had heard—somewhere—that he was away."
"He was away. But he has come back." Gordon gave the information without even a flash of mirth in his steady eyes.
Selfridge could not quite let the subject alone. "Seems to me I heard he went prospecting."
"He did. Up Wild-Goose Creek, with Big Bill Macy and two other men. But I asked him to come back with me—and he did."
Feebly Wally groped for the clue without finding it. Had Big Bill sold him out? And how had Elliot got into touch with him?
"Just so, Mr. Elliot. But really, you know, Howland can make you a great deal more comfortable than Holt. His wife is a famous cook. I'll have a man go get your traps."
"It's very good of you, but I think I won't move."