There were, he, however, knew, among them a few who it was probable had their own reasons for vacating the great Republic, and these were men of distinctly different calibre.

One or more of them, it seemed, might have heard of his aspirations and be following him.

If so, it was evident that he would be in security until he found the silver.

Then the peril would begin.
This led to the second issue.

Alton was quite aware that he had an enemy whom he had got the better of on several occasions hitherto.
Partly because devious finesse is not always superior to shrewd sense and fearless honesty, he had as yet held his own against Hallam of the Tyee.