"It is useless."
"Well, I admit that I have been paid handsomely by Vasquez, the bandit, to convey you to Rio. He, I believe, was employed by some enemy of yours."
"Precisely. I know all that."
"I shall enjoy your society during the voyage, for I see you are an educated gentleman, and your companionship cannot fail to be agreeable."
"Thank you for the compliment," exclaimed Jack, who could not help thinking that there was something lurking behind this extraordinary civility.
"When you arrive at Rio our intimacy ceases, for I shall discharge cargo, take in another of bags of coffee, and return to 'Frisco."
"Am I to be set free then?"
"Certainly," answered Moreland.
"I cannot understand that."
"It is simple enough. Your enemy wishes to get you out of the way for a time. That is all."