‘If you do not wilfully fail, then one half the money shall be your reward for your trouble,’ said Blodget.
‘Enough,’ replied Gordon, ‘then the bargain is sealed; I will undertake the hazardous deed.’
‘Thanks, thanks!’ said the blood-thirsty Blodget; ‘perform your task well, and you will have my eternal gratitude.’
‘Pshaw!’ cried the ruffian, with a sardonic grin; ‘of what use is gratitude to me? It is not a marketable commodity. But what about the care of Inez?’
‘Blodget will reside in the house during your absence, and I will leave Joe to assist him in his charge,’ replied the captain.
‘That arrangement will do,’ said Gordon, after a pause.
‘When will you start on your expedition?’ inquired Blodget.
‘Immediately. There is no necessity for delay,’ answered Gordon.
‘’Tis well,’ observed Blodget; ‘but you will go disguised?’
‘Oh, leave me alone for that,’ returned Gordon. ‘I have more reasons than one not to wish to be known; or the first news that you heard of me would, in all probability be, that I was the inmate of a prison. I will so disguise myself that it must be a penetrating eye, indeed which could recognize me.’