"So I may, after a while," said Melville.

He took the hint, and ceased to regard the colonel.

The latter made himself generally social, and generally popular.

The stage drove round to the door after breakfast, and there was the
usual bustle, as the passengers bestowed themselves inside.

George Melville had intended to watch narrowly the landlord and Col.
Warner, to detect, if possible, the secret understanding which must
exist between them. But he was deprived of an opportunity, for the very
good reason that the landlord had disappeared, and was not again seen
before their departure.

The driver gathered up his reins, cracked his whip, and the stage
started. Herbert looked at George Melville a little anxiously, not
knowing what course he had decided to take. They two, it will be
remembered, were the only ones who knew of the intended attack.

Before the stage started, Melville quietly took the opportunity to hand
his pocketbook to Herbert, saying, briefly: "It will be safer with you
in case of an attack."

"But won't it be considered suspicious that you have no money about
you?" suggested Herbert.

"I have a roll of bills in my pocket-fifty dollars," answered Melville.

They had no further opportunity of speaking, as one of the passengers
came up where they were standing.

Herbert had already taken his seat in the coach, when his employer said:
"Herbert, wouldn't you like to ride outside with the driver?"

"Yes, sir," answered Herbert, promptly, for he understood, that this was
Mr. Melville's wish.

"It will give us more room, and you will have a better view."

"Yes, sir; I shall like it."

In a quick manner Herbert made the change, taking care not to look
significantly at Melville, as some boys might have done, and thus
excited suspicion.

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.