It was a laugh of real relief at the change in
Armitage's tone.
"It's a quarter of seven. This little scrap didn't take as much time as
you thought it would."
Oscar had mounted Armitage's horse and Claiborne stopped him as he rode
past on his way to the road.
"After you deliver Mr. Armitage's message, get a doctor and tell him to
be in a hurry about getting here."
"No!" began Armitage. "Good Lord, no! We are not going to advertise this
mess. You will spoil it all. I don't propose to be arrested and put in
jail, and a doctor would blab it all. I tell you, no!"
"Oscar, go to the hotel at the Springs and ask for Doctor Bledsoe. He's
an army surgeon on leave. Tell him I want him to bring his tools and come
to me at the bungalow. Now go!"
The conspirators' horses were brought up and Claiborne put Armitage upon
the best of them.
"Don't treat me as though I were a sick priest! I tell you, I feel bully!
If the prisoners will kindly walk ahead of us, we'll graciously ride
behind. Or we might put them both on one horse! Forward!"
Chauvenet and Durand, as they marched ahead of their captors, divided the
time between execrating each other and trying to make terms with
Armitage.
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