Why should he not try to make friends with this powerful free-lance and half-outlaw?
"It's a game," he said significantly, "that might be of interest to your friends to hear." Hamlin took his hands out of his pockets, turned on his heel, and said, "Come with me." "But I must go by that coach now," said Van Loo desperately, "or--I've told you what would happen." "Come with me," said Jack coolly.

"If I'm satisfied with what you tell me, I'll put you down at the next station an hour before that coach gets there." "You swear it ?" said Van Loo hesitatingly.
"I've SAID it," returned Jack.

"Come!" and Van Loo followed Mr.Hamlin into the station hotel..