"Florence isn't in the house," he announced in a voice which, while
calm, seemed not John Engle's voice. "If she is in San Juan it won't
take the half-hour to know it. I'm rather inclined to think that I'm
just a fool, Rod Norton. My wife has told me that Galloway was looking
at Florence in a way which meant no good. I wouldn't believe. And
now, if . . ."
Norton had no reply to make. Florence's disappearance at a time like
this might mean either a very great deal or nothing whatever. But, as
Engle had intimated, it would require but little time to learn if she
were in San Juan and safe, and, as Norton had said, there was no time
now to be wasted. Engle would institute inquiries immediately; Norton,
his own work looming large before him, would prepare to meet Galloway's
latest play.
The sheriff decided promptly that it would be unwise to leave the town
absolutely drained of men in whom he could put faith. It was always
possible that either the entire crowd of Galloway's men or a smaller
detachment might find their way here. Julius Struve, four armed men
aiding him, was to be responsible for the welfare of women and
children. If Galloway's stroke should turn out to be bolder and harder
than was now known, then Struve and his men had horses saddled and were
to get their wards out of danger by hard riding.
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