“Of course, he can't be held,” agreed Ware. “And 'he'll never be brought to trial; no lawyer will dare appear against him, no jury will dare find him guilty; but there's Hues, what about him?” He paused. The two men looked at each other for a long moment. “Where did they carry the captain?” inquired Hicks. “I don't know.” “It looks like the Clan was in a hell-fired hole--but shucks! What will be easier than to fix Hues?--and while they're fixing folks they'd better not overlook that old fellow Price. He's got some notion about Fentress and the boy.” Mr. Hicks did not consider it necessary to explain that he was himself largely responsible for this. “How do you know that?” demanded Ware. “He as good as said so.” Hicks looked uneasily at the planter. He knew himself to be compromised. The stranger named Cavendish had forced an admission from him that Murrell would not condone if it came to his knowledge. He had also acquired a very proper and wholesome fear of Judge Slocum Price. He stepped close to Ware's side. “What'll come of the girl, Tom? Can you figure that out?” he questioned, sinking his voice almost to a whisper. But Ware was incapable of speech, again his terrors completely overwhelmed him. “I reckon you'll have to find another overseer. I'm going to strike out for Texas,” said Hicks. Ware's eyes met his for an instant. He had thought of flight, too, was still thinking of it, but greed was as much a part of his nature as fear; Belle Plain was a prize not to be lightly cast aside, and it was almost his. He lurched across the room to the window. If he were going to act, the sooner he did so the better, and gain a respite from his fears. The road down the coast slid away before his heavy eyes, he marked each turn; then a palsy of fear shook him, his heart beat against his ribs, and he stood gnawing his lips while he gazed up at the sun. “Do you get what I say, Tom? I am going to quit these parts,” said Hicks. Ware turned slowly from the window. “All right, Hicks. You mean you want me to settle with you, is that it?” he asked. “Yes, I'm going to leave while I can, maybe I can't later on,” said Hicks stolidly. He added: “I am going to start down the coast as soon as it turns dark, and before it's day again I'll have put the good miles between me and these parts.” “You're going down the coast?” and Ware was again conscious of the quickened beating of his heart. Hicks nodded. “See you don't meet up with John Murrell,” said Ware. “I'll take that chance. It seems a heap better to me than staying here.” Ware looked from the window. The shadows were lengthening across the lawn. “Better start now, Hicks,” he advised. “I'll wait until it turns dark.” “You'll need a horse.” “I was going to help myself to one. This ain't no time to stand on ceremony,” said Hicks shortly. “Slosson shouldn't be left in the lurch like this--or your brother's folks--” “They'll have to figure it out for themselves same as me,” rejoined Hicks.