“Yes.”
“Well, let one of ye go and stand outside to give the office if any one comes in.”
This was done.
They all clustered round the table, and dived their hands down into their capacious pockets.
One produced a purse, another some finger and car-rings; two others had a bundle of bank-notes, watches, snuff-boxes, the diamond hilts of broken swords, jewelled shoe and dress buckles; and other things of value were displayed.
“You haven’t been idle on the road, I see,” said Captain Jack, with a grin. “This makes up for our unpleasant journey down here for that silly bumpkin.”
While they were dividing the booty Captain Jack was deep in figures, and so was Tom Bates, that the entire swag might be apportioned so as to give themselves the greatest share.
While thus engaged, Bates raised his eyes towards the parlour window.
“Dam’me if there ain’t some one peeping through the round hole in the shutter!” he stammered.
In an instant he pulled out his pistol, and fired!