"Good God, man! I know as much about Chauvenet as I do about you. This
thing is ugly, as you must see. I don't like it, I tell you! You've got
to do more than deny a circumstantial story like that by a fellow whose
standing here is as good as yours! If you don't offer some better
explanation of this by to-morrow night I shall have to ask you to cut my
acquaintance--and the acquaintance of my family!"

Armitage's face was grave, but he smiled as he took his hat and stick.

"I shall not be able to satisfy you of my respectability by to-morrow
night, Captain Claiborne. My own affairs must wait on larger matters."

"Then you need never take the trouble!"

"In my own time you shall be quite fully satisfied," said Armitage
quietly, and turned away.

He was not among the others of the Claiborne party when they got into
their carriages to go to the ball. He went, in fact, to the telegraph
office and sent a message to Oscar Breunig, Lamar, Virginia, giving
notice of a shipment of steers.

Then he returned to the New American and packed his belongings.




CHAPTER XII

A CAMP IN THE MOUNTAINS