Chapter 28

"But I haven't any sort of excuse. Americans are noted for their politeness, and here have I been shutting the door in the face of the poor old chap when he toiled up the hill. He won't understand it, and people will begin to talk, and that's the quickest way to blow the gaff. Besides, I've got to give up this lie about my ill-health if I'm to appear at Muirtown the day after to-morrow. What do _you_ say, Ned?" "I think you'd better go," Leithen answered. "We can't have the neighbourhood thinking you are plague-str…