“And you just—­tell of it?” he said at last.

The Englishman shifted uneasily in his seat.

“Yes.”  Forgetting that he had just polished his glasses, he took them off and went through the process again.

“Yes, I may as well be honest, I’ve seen a bit of these Westerners about here, and I don’t really agree with their scheme of justice.  They’re apt to put two and two together and make eight where you know it’s only four.”  For the second time he sprung the bows back over his ears.  “And when they find out their beastly mistake—­why—­oh—­it’s too late then, perhaps, for some poor devil!”

For another half minute Rankin hesitated; then he reached over and grasped the other man by the hand.

“Baker,” he said, “you ain’t very practical, but you’re dead square.”  And he shook the hand again.

Of a sudden a twinkle came into the Britisher’s eyes and he tore himself loose with an effort.

“By the way,” he said, “I’d like to ask a question for future guidance.  What would you have done if you’d been in my place?”

Rankin stiffened in his seat, and a color almost red surged beneath the tan of his cheeks; then, as suddenly as his companion had done, he smiled outright.

“I reckon I’d have done just what you did,” he admitted; and the two men laughed together.

“Seriously, though,” said Scotty, after a moment, “and as long as I’ve told you anyway, what ought I to do under the circumstances?  Should I let Blair off, do you think?”

For a moment Rankin did not answer; then he faced his questioner directly, and Scotty knew why the big man’s word was so nearly law in the community.

“Under the circumstances,” he repeated, “I’d let him go; for several reasons.  First of all, he’s got such a start of you now that you couldn’t catch him, anyway.  Then he’s a coward by nature, and it’ll be a mighty long time before he ever shows up here again.  And last of all,” the speaker hesitated, “last of all,” he repeated slowly, “though I don’t know, I believe you were right when you said the boy could tell more about it than the rest of us; and if what we suspect is true, I think by the time he comes back, if he ever does come, Ben will be old enough to take care of him.”  Again the speaker paused, and his great jowl settled down into his shirt-front.  “If he doesn’t, I can’t read signs when I see ’em.”

For a moment the room was silent; then Scotty sprang to his feet as if a load had been taken off his mind.

“All right,” said he, “we’ll forget it.  And, speaking of forgetting, I’ve nearly got myself into trouble already.  I have an invitation from Mrs. Baker for you to take dinner with us to-day.  In fact, I was sent on purpose to bring you.  Not a word, not a word!” he continued, at sight of objections gathering on the other’s face; “a lady’s invitations are sacred, you know.  Get your coat!”

Rankin arose with an effort and stood facing his visitor.