Oldham was not of a temperament to contemplate murder. His
nerves were too refined; his training too conventional; his imagination
too developed. He, too, resolutely kept his intentions a trifle vague.
If Orde persisted, then he must be kidnapped for a time.
But Saleratus Bill, professional gun-man, well paid, took his
instructions quite brutally. In literal and bald statement he closed the
circle and returned to Baker's very words: "Keep Orde's testimony out of
court." Only in this case Saleratus Bill read into the simple command a
more sinister meaning.
The morning after his return from the lower country, Bob saddled up to
ride over to the mill. He wished to tell Welton of his meeting Taylor;
and to consult him on the best course to pursue in regard to the bribery
charges. With daylight many of his old perplexities had returned. He
rode along so deep in thought that the only impression reaching him from
the external world was one of the warmth of the sun.
Suddenly a narrow shadow flashed by his eyes. Before his consciousness
could leap from its inner contemplation, his arms were pulled flat to
his sides, a shock ran through him as though he had received a heavy
blow, and he was jerked backward from his horse to hit the ground with
great violence.
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