For the first mile there was very little conversation.

Then Col.  Warner spoke.

“Well, gentlemen,” he said, “we are fairly on our way.  Let us hope nothing will mar our pleasure.”

“Do you anticipate anything?” asked George Melville.

“I!  Why should I?  We have a skillful driver, and I guarantee he won’t tip us over.”

“Mr. Melville was, perhaps, referring to the chance of the stage being stopped by some enterprising road agent,” suggested Parker.

“Oho!  Sits the wind in that quarter?” said the Colonel, laughing lightly.  “Not the least chance of that—­that is, the chance is very slight.”

“You spoke differently yesterday,” said the German capitalist.

“Did I?  I didn’t mean it, I assure you.  We are as safe here as if we were riding in the interior of New York.  I suppose I was only whiling away a few idle minutes.”

“I am glad to hear it,” said the German.  “I shouldn’t like to meet any of these gentlemen.”

“Nor I,” answered Melville; “but I am prepared to give him or them a warm reception.”

As he spoke he drew a revolver from his pocket.  He sat next to the door, and in an exposed situation.

“Put up your shooting iron, Mr. Melville,” said Col.  Warner, exhibiting a slight shade of annoyance.  “Let me exchange places with you.  I should prefer the post of danger, if’ there is any.”

“You are very kind, Colonel,” said Melville, quietly, “but I don’t care to change.  I am quite satisfied with my seat.”

“But, my dear sir, I insist—­” said the Colonel, making a motion to rise.

“Keep your seat, Colonel!  I insist upon staying where I am,” answered Melville.

He was physically far from formidable, this young man, but there was a resolute ring in his voice that showed he was in earnest.

“Really, my dear sir,” said the Colonel, trying to conceal his annoyance, “you have been quite misled by my foolish talk.  I did not suppose you were so nervous.”

“Possibly I may have a special reason for being so,” returned George Melville.

“What do you mean?” demanded the Colonel, quickly.  “If you have, we are all interested, and ought to know it.”

“The Colonel is right,” said the German.  “If you know of any danger, it is only fair to inform us all.”

“I am disposed to agree with you, gentlemen,” said Melville.  “Briefly, then, I have good reason to think that this company of passengers has been marked for plunder.”

Col.  Warner started, but, quickly recovering himself, he laughed uneasily.

“Tush!” he said, “I put no faith in it.  Some one has been deceiving you, my friend.”

But the other passengers took it more seriously.

“You evidently know something that we do not,” said Parker.

“I do,” answered Melville.

Col.  Warner looked at him searchingly, but did not speak.