I did not like to say so before those panic-mongers outside who are stampeding everything; so run along, Barker boy, and ease your mind about the wife.

We may have other things to think about soon." Thus adjured, Barker rose from his half-finished breakfast and slipped away.

Yet he was not quite certain what to do.

His wife must have heard the news at Boomville as quickly as he had, and, if so, would be on her way with Mrs.Horncastle; or she might be waiting for him--knowing, too, that he had heard the news--in fear and trembling.

For it was Barker's custom to endow all those he cared for with his own sensitiveness, and it was not like him to reflect that the woman who had so recklessly speculated against his opinion would scarcely fear his reproaches in her defeat.