‘They are cowards if they shrink from the—’
Before he could finish the sentence, the thieves were all upon their feet, and by their menacing looks, threatened vengeance.
‘Hold!’ cried Blodget, and they all immediately resumed their seats, although it was very evident that the observations of Blodget had greatly enraged them, and there were many scowling brows, which convinced the villain that he had proceeded almost too far.
‘Blodget,’ continued Jenkins, after a pause; ‘you should be cautious in what you say, my men are not used to hearing such terms applied to them, nor do they merit it.’ If Jenkins thought he had a coward amongst his gang, he would hang him up to the first tree he came to.
‘I was wrong; I was wrong;’ hastily apologized Blodget; ‘and I hope they will pardon me.’
‘That is enough,’ observed Jenkins; then turning again towards his men, he demanded—
‘And, so you all refuse to do this deed?’
‘We do;’ was the answer from them all; ‘we shed not human blood only in our own defence.’
‘One amongst ye shall do the deed, since I have promised this man, and will not recall my word;’ said Jenkins peremptorily.
There was a discontented murmuring arose from among the thieves.