The shot from the gun had brought no one to the spot. We went down-stairs, and seated ourselves on the stump of a tree on the opposite side of the road, where we could see at once if there was any breaking out of the fire again; and here we took a long rest, and got some pure air into our lungs. “There is no doubt in my mind but that Norton intended to burn you up,” remarked Ford as he took a deep breath. “I think so myself,” I replied with a shudder; “but oh, what a horrible thought that is!” “He is a thoroughly bad egg,” went on my helper. “Even if he ever gets out of this scrape, which I don’t believe, I wouldn’t have anything to do with him.” “I don’t intend to,” I replied. “I shall never claim him as my uncle, you may be sure of that.” When we rested and got over the effects of the smoke, we entered the mill, and made ourselves comfortable in the living-room. We talked over the damage that had been done, and reached the conclusion that it could be repaired by ourselves. “And as you have some shingles on the place, it won’t cost you a cent of money,” said Ford. I told him I intended to remain at the mill over night, and he readily agreed to stay with me. I hung up my wet coat to dry, and then both of us retired, but slept, as the saying is, “with one eye open” until sunrise. “Well, what do you intend to do now?” asked Ford as we sat down to breakfast. “I’m going to hunt up the Catch Me,” I replied. “I am worried for fear Mr. Norton has misused her out of sheer revenge.” “You said Mr. Markham had given her to you?” “Yes. He settled with Mr. Williams.” And I told my helper the whole story. “And I want to find the Catch Me, and see if she’s all right; for I expect to make quite a sum of money out of her during the summer. When we are not very busy, I intend to leave you in charge of the mill, and to go fishing, or rent out the boat to the hotel boarders.” “A good idea. But I fancy you won’t do much till this robbery is cleared up.” “I suppose not.” “Remember, you are only out on bail. They may make out a case against you when it comes to trial.” “I don’t see how they can. I had nothing to do with the robbery.” “But they found the diamond on you, and Norton may swear that you were with the crowd. He seemed mean enough for anything.” We had soon finished breakfast; indeed, Ford’s last words took away all my appetite, and then we started for the lake. “I intend to follow the shore all the way to the Bend,” I said. “If I do not come across the Catch Me before that time, I will borrow some boat and take a sail around the lake.” “That’s a good idea. Of course you want me to go along.” “If you will, Dan. I will pay you the same as if you were working up at the mill.” “Don’t want any pay, Rube. I want to see you squared up and in full possession of your own.”