"Did you find out whether there was any such person at the house as Tom Barron?" "The woman at the bar told me there was a wounded sailor there whose description answered to that contained in the letter." "So she told me. Did you see him?" "No." "I did not; and between you and me, I don't believe there is any Tom Barron there, or anywhere else. This business must be investigated," said Pillgrim, very decidedly. Somers did not wish it to be investigated. He was utterly opposed to an investigation, for he was fearful, if the matter should be "ventilated," that more would be shown than he was willing to have exhibited at the present time; in other words, Coles would find out that his enterprising scheme had been exposed to a third person. "I don't care to be mixed up in any revelations of low life, Mr. Pillgrim; and, as I have lost nothing, and the hard knocks I received were given under a mistake, I think I would rather let the matter rest just where it is." "Very natural for a young man of your style," laughed the lieutenant. "You are afraid the people of Pinchbrook will read in the papers that Mr. Somers has been in bad places." "They might put a wrong construction on the case," replied Somers, willing to have his reasons for avoiding an investigation as strong as possible. "I can hand these letters over to the police, and let the officers inquire into the matter," added Pillgrim. "They need not call any names." "I would rather not stir up the dirty pool. Besides, Tom Barron and his mother may be in the house, after all. There is no evidence to the contrary." "I shall satisfy myself on that point by another visit to the house. If I find there is such a person there, I shall be satisfied." "That will be the better way." Just then it occurred to Somers that Coles might have seen him while he was insensible, and was already aware that his scheme had miscarried. He questioned Pillgrim, therefore, in regard to the persons in the bar-room when he entered. From the answers received he satisfied himself that the conspirators had departed before the "row" in the front room occurred. "Now, Somers, I am going down to that house again before I sleep," said the lieutenant. "This time, I shall take my revolver. Will you go with me?" "I don't feel exactly able to go out again to-night. My head doesn't feel just right," replied Somers, who, however, had other reasons for keeping his room, the principal of which was the fear that he might meet Coles there, and that, by some accident, his presence in the front room during the conference might be disclosed. "I think you are right, Somers. You had better keep still to-night," said Pillgrim. "Shall I send you up anything?" "Thank you; I don't need anything." "A glass of Bourbon whiskey would do you good. It would quiet your nerves, and put you to sleep." "Perhaps it would, but I shall lie awake on those terms."