"He seems badly in need
of friends of the right sort just now; and I am confident, Mr. Tobin,
that you are of that sort."
"A man who has disappeared as completely as this one has done,"
stated Tobin, "is out of the reach of even the best of friends."
"Have you not heard from him since the murder?"
"No," replied the other with a readiness that carried conviction.
"Then you will, and before long." Ashton-Kirk arose and stood looking
into the old man's face. "Perhaps it will be to-night; but it will be
by to-morrow night at latest. And when you do you can best show your
friendship for him by telling him not to be a fool."
"You mean," said Tobin, shrewdly, "that I'm to advise him to give over
hiding?"
"Exactly."
"I'll do that willingly enough, if I hear of him. An innocent man has
no call to hide himself like a rat. But," inquiringly, "after I tell
him that, what will I do?"
Ashton-Kirk took out a card; handing it to the other, he said:
"Ask him to come see me."
Tobin gave the card one glance, then his face lit up and his hand went
out.
"Let me shake your hand, sir," said he. "And I'll tell the lad what
you say with a heart and a half."
CHAPTER XXI
ASHTON-KIRK BEGINS TO PLAN
As Ashton-Kirk and Pendleton left the "Rangnow," the latter said:
"You surely do not suppose that Morris will call on you?"
"Why not?"
"It does not sound reasonable.
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