Thus taunted, Ted Kite ventured to approach the smiling foe.
"Come a little nearer," said Aaron; "I am not going to hurt you. I wish you to do me a favor."
Ted, with a sidelong look over his shoulder at his army, as if appealing to it to rush to his rescue in case he was seized, shuffled forward. Aaron Cohen held out his hand; Ted Kite timidly responded, and was surprised at the friendly grip he received.
"You are the leader," said Aaron in his most genial voice.
"Yes, Mr. Cohen," replied Ted, growing bold; "I'm the captain.
"Clever lad, clever captain! Here's a penny for you. Don't let them see you take it. It is for you alone. They will do as you tell them, of course."
"I'll let 'em know it if they don't."
"It's right you should. I think it is very kind of you to come here as you do, but I want you to oblige me and not come to-morrow night. It is Friday, and the shop will be closed, so you would be wasting your time. That would be foolish."
"Yes, it would," said Ted, somewhat bewildered. "Shall we come on Saturday night?"
"Certainly, if you think proper. Then you will not be here to-morrow?"