What was
that paper? Why did Nighthawk wish to secure it? I gave up the inquiry
in despair.
"Well," I said, "I will not remain longer; I might scare off your
friend, and to eaves-drop is out of the question, even if you were
willing that I should be present."
"In fact, colonel, I shall probably discuss some very private matters
with my friend Swartz, so that--"
"You prefer I should go."
Mr. Nighthawk smiled; he was too polite to say "yes."
"You are not afraid to meet your friend in this lonely place?" I said,
rising.
"Not at all, colonel."
"You are armed?"
Mr. Nighthawk opened his coat, and showed me a brace of revolvers.
"I have these; but they are unnecessary, colonel."
"Unnecessary?"
"I have an understanding with Swartz, and he with me."
"What is that?"
"That we shall not employ the carnal weapon; only destroy each other by
superior generalship."
"You speak in enigmas, Nighthawk!"
"And yet, my meaning is very simple. If I can have Swartz arrested and
hung, or he me, it is all fair. But we have agreed not to fight."
"So, if you caught him to-night, you could have him hung as a spy?"
"Yes, colonel; but nothing would induce me to betray him."
"Ah!"
"I have given him my parol, that he shall have safe conduct!"
I laughed, bade Nighthawk good-bye, and left him smiling as I had found
him.
Pages:
214
215
216
217
218
219
220
221
222
223
224
225
226
227
228
229
230
231
232
233
234
235
236
237
238