Page 44 - In A New World

CHAPTER VII. 47

The next morning the party started as usual. They plodded on for almost a
mile, when Obed, turning quickly to Fletcher, said:

"Let me look at that weapon of yours a minute."

Fletcher unsuspiciously handed it over.

"I think I shall keep this, Fletcher," said Obed, eying him steadily. "I’m
pained to have to bid you good-by."

"What does all this mean?" blustered Fletcher.

"It means that your room is better than your company. We’d better part."

"Would you rob me? That revolver is mine, and I paid for a share of the
things in the cart."

"I’ll allow you the vally of them and pay you on the spot, but we can’t go on
together."

Suiting the action to the word, Mr. Stackpole handed over a handsome sum
of money.

"But I don’t want to sell my revolver," repeated Fletcher. "What am I to do

out here alone, and unarmed."

"You’d better go back to your friend Larry Linton. He’ll look out for you."

"You will regret this high-handed proceeding!" exclaimed Fletcher angrily.

"Maybe I shall, and maybe I shan’t," answered Obed indifferently. "I’ll risk
it."

Fletcher halted a moment as if undecided, then turned back, and was soon

out of sight.