This suggestion was accordingly acted upon. After remaining nearly three hours longer for their victim, who came not, they repaired to the place of rendezvous, to report to their employer and superior, and finish up the other branch of the night's business.
Arrived at the spot, they found Duffel pacing up and down in a state of impatience and disquietude. So soon as he was cognizant of their presence, he inquired:
"How now? What has kept you so late? Is all right?"
"If your honor will take breath a moment between the questions, we will endeavor to answer them," replied Bill.
"Well, proceed. Did you do the job?"
"No, not exactly as laid down in the bill, but—"
"What! did you let him go?"
"Why, no, your honor, we didn't let him go, for the very good reason that he didn't give us a chance to show him so much mercy."
"How?"
"You see the fellow didn't come himself, but sent a substitute!"