Then he turned to Cato.
"I am going with you to the quarters tonight," he said quietly, "and you can carry your pistol back to the armory yourself." He handed him the weapon.

The negro received it gratefully, but suddenly cast a searching glance at his employer.

Courtland's face, however, betrayed no change.
When Zoe had gone, he continued tranquilly, "We will go by the back way through the woods." As the negro started slightly, Courtland continued in the same even tone: "The sulphur you smelled just now, Cato, was the smoke of a gun fired at YOU from the street.

I don't propose that the shot shall be repeated under the same advantages." The negro became violently agitated.

"It was dat sneakin' hound, Tom Higbee," he said huskily.
Courtland looked at him sharply.