The soldier saluted, glanced from Chauvenet to Durand, and from Claiborne
to Armitage.
"He will not come back," said the sergeant quietly.
"That is bad," remarked Armitage. "Take my horse and ride down to Storm
Springs and tell Baron von Marhof and Judge Claiborne that Captain
Claiborne has found John Armitage, and that he presents his compliments
and wishes them to come to Mr. Armitage's house at once. Tell them that
Captain Claiborne sent you and that he wants them to come back with you
immediately."
"But Armitage--not Marhof--for God's sake, not Marhof." Chauvenet
staggered to his feet and his voice choked as he muttered his appeal.
"Not Marhof!"
"We can fix this among ourselves--just wait a little, till we can talk
over our affairs. You have quite the wrong impression of us, I assure
you, Messieurs," protested Durand.
"That is your misfortune! Thanks for the brandy, Monsieur Durand. I feel
quite restored," said Armitage, rising; and the color swept into his face
and he spoke with quick decision.
"Oh, Claiborne, will you kindly give me the time?"
Claiborne laughed.
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