“When the tradesman found he was likely to be left without any hopes he began to talk in a milder strain, and, with abundance of entreaties, begged Jack to help him all he possibly could.
“Captain Jack stepped out a minute or two, and as soon as he came back he told the tradesman,
“‘It was not in his power to serve him in such a hurry, if at all; however, in a day or two he might be able to give him some answer’.
“The tradesman insisted that a day or two would lessen the value of the goods one half to him.
“And Jack insisted as peremptorily that it was not in his power to do anything sooner.
“At last a servant came in a great hurry, and told Jack that a gentleman wished to see him instantly.
“Jack bowed, and begged to be excused for a few moments.
“Shortly afterwards he returned with a smiling countenance, and, turning to the tradesman, said—
“‘I protest, sir, you are the luckiest man I ever knew; I spoke to one of my people to go to a house where I sometimes resort, and directed him to talk of your robbery, and to say you had been with me and offered thirty pounds for the things again. This story had its effect, and if you go directly home I fancy you will hear more of it than I can tell you. But pray, sir, remember, the thirty pounds was your own offer, and you are free to give it or not, just as you please; but as I have taken an interest in the matter an adequate reward would not be out of place.’
“Away went the tradesman wondering where this affair would end.