If it had not been for the plight of these loved ones he might have
persuaded himself to go back to Virginia and give himself up for
trial. Time had encouraged him in the belief that his innocence would
prevail. He had talked it over with Joey and Dick Cronk. Both of them
had advised him to stand to his original determination to find Isaac
Perry before putting himself in jeopardy.
Colonel Grand's prolonged absence was the cause of much speculation
and uneasiness. The entire company lived in dread of his return, yet
each individual was eager to have it over with. No man liked the new
partner; every one knew where his real interest lay. Thomas Braddock
cursed him in secret for remaining away while the show was tottering
on its last legs. Mrs. Braddock never spoke of the man, but it was not
difficult to interpret the anxious, daunted expression in her eyes as,
day after day, she appeared at the tent; nor was the temporary gleam
of relief less plain when she convinced herself that he was not on the
grounds.
There was method in Colonel Grand's aloofness. He held off resolutely,
with almost satanic cruelty, while Thomas Braddock and the weather
brought the show to the last stages of desperation.
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