"We shall never agree, John--you have one idea and I another."

"We'll let the whole matter drop out of our talk. Look here, how
about the boy--are you ready for him if I can get my hands on
him?"

Fentress considered. From the facts he had gathered he knew that
the man who called himself Judge Price must soon run his course
in Raleigh, and then as inevitably push out for fresh fields.
Any morning might find him gone and the boy with him.

"I can't take him to my place as I had intended doing; under the
circumstances that is out of the question," he said at length.

"Of course; but I'll send him either up or down the river and
place him in safe keeping where you can get him any time you
want."

"This must be done without violence, John!" stipulated Fentress.

"Certainly, I understand that perfectly well. It wouldn't suit
your schemes to have that brace of old sots handled by the Clan.
Which shall it be--up or down river?"

"Could you take care of him for me below, at Natchez?" inquired
Fentress.

"As well there as anywhere, Colonel, and he'll pass into safe
hands; he won't give me the slip the second time!"