"My discharge. Is it necessary for me to repeat it?"
"But, my good fellow, you are my life-long star. I may need you in the future."
"I care not. Let me go."
"Certainly not. If you persist in your determination to leave me, I shall go at once to the Italian Consul, and let him know that Bambino, the escaped murderer, is in New York."
"What then?"
"There is a price on your head."
"Well?"
"You will be sent back to Italy, and pass the remainder of your natural life at the galleys."
"Yes, that's true," said Bambino, calmly.
"Reflect, my friend," continued Maltravers. "However fond you may be of hard work and black bread, however much you may be enamored of the whip of the taskmaster, and notwithstanding the charm a hot sun may have for you, I will venture to say, that my service is more agreeable."