Ware’s eyes met his for an instant.  He had thought of flight, too, was still thinking of it, but greed was as much a part of his nature as fear; Belle Plain was a prize not to be lightly cast aside, and it was almost his.  He lurched across the room to the window.  If he were going to act, the sooner he did so the better, and gain a respite from his fears.  The road down the coast slid away before his heavy eyes, he marked each turn; then a palsy of fear shook him, his heart beat against his ribs, and he stood gnawing his lips while he gazed up at the sun.

“Do you get what I say, Tom?  I am going to quit these parts,” said Hicks.  Ware turned slowly from the window.

“All right, Hicks.  You mean you want me to settle with you, is that it?” he asked.

“Yes, I’m going to leave while I can, maybe I can’t later on,” said Hicks stolidly.  He added:  “I am going to start down the coast as soon as it turns dark, and before it’s day again I’ll have put the good miles between me and these parts.”

“You’re going down the coast?” and Ware was again conscious of the quickened beating of his heart.  Hicks nodded.  “See you don’t meet up with John Murrell,” said Ware.

“I’ll take that chance.  It seems a heap better to me than staying here.”

Ware looked from the window.  The shadows were lengthening across the lawn.

“Better start now, Hicks,” he advised.

“I’ll wait until it turns dark.”

“You’ll need a horse.”

“I was going to help myself to one.  This ain’t no time to stand on ceremony,” said Hicks shortly.

“Slosson shouldn’t be left in the lurch like this—­or your brother’s folks—­”

“They’ll have to figure it out for themselves same as me,” rejoined Hicks.

“You can stop there as you go by.”

“No,” said Hicks; “I never did believe in this damn foolishness about the girl, and I won’t go near George’s—­”

“I don’t ask you to go there, you can give them the signal from the head of the bayou.  All I want is for you to stop and light a fire on the shore.  They’ll know what that means.  I’ll give you a horse and fifty dollars for the job.”

Hicks’ eyes sparkled, but he only said

“Make it twice that and maybe we can deal.”

Racked and tortured, Ware hesitated; but the sun was slipping into the west, his windows blazed with the hot light.

“You swear you’ll do your part?” he said thickly.  He took his purse from his pocket and counted out the amount due Hicks.  He named the total, and paused irresolutely.

“Don’t you want the fire lighted?” asked Hicks.  He was familiar with his employer’s vacillating moods.

“Yes,” answered Ware, his lips quivering; and slowly, with shaking fingers, he added to the pile of bills in Hicks’ hand.

“Well, take care of yourself,” said Hicks, when the count was complete.  He thrust the roll of bills into his pocket and moved to the door.