“Because—because we’re tired of starving and being hunted and the like,” said Slump. “You have won out, we are beaten. We want to work together.”
“I declare I don’t understand what you are driving at,” said Ralph. “Come, Ike Slump, play no more crafty games. It don’t pay. Be honest and straight. What did you bring me here for?”
“To make some money for both of us.”
“In what way?”
“You would give a good deal to find Gasper Farrington, wouldn’t you, now?”
“I certainly am anxious to locate that man, yes,” answered Ralph frankly.
“All right, we know where he is.”
“And you are willing to make amends, I suppose, for your past misconduct by telling me where Farrington is to be found, so that I can have him arrested.” 186
“Well, I guess not!” cried Mort Bemis, coming upon the scene. “We want pay for what we do. We want a hundred dollars to begin with. A lot more when you get that money he owes you.”
“My friends,” said Ralph, promptly turning from the spot. “Not a cent. I don’t believe you know how to act square. You don’t show it by your present proposition. If you really want to be helped, and if you are sorry for your past wrong doing, come back to Stanley Junction, tell the truth, take your punishment like men, and I will be your good friend.”