“Well, no matter, Bates,” said Blood; “I’m glad I’ve seen you, for Captain Jack must be captured at once, and at all costs, for he is a troublesome, intriguing busy-body. Remain as quiet as you can until my return from Darlington. I have plenty of work in store for you.”
“Glad to hear that, colonel.”
“Good paying jobs, I mean.”
“Better still, sir; but—”
“But what, Bates?” said the colonel.
“Oh! I was only about to remark, colonel, that all the lads, and myself included, are very hard up; if you would so oblige us as to lend us a hundred or two until your return, we should—”
“I understand; well, no wonder you are out of money, seeing how much that scoundrel, Captain Jack, appropriated to his own use. Here,” said he, giving Bates a hundred pound note, “this will serve you until my return.”
Colonel Blood left Bates in high glee, and went his way.
“Well, this isn’t bad to commence with,” said old Bates, putting the note into his pocket; “but I mustn’t let any of the lads know I have got so much. I’ll have it changed, give ’em £10 to drink with, and the rest I’ll stick to as my own perquisites.”
Bates changed the note, and when he returned, he found his companions grumbling at his long delay.