“I ask for nothing better,” said I, putting up my weapon; “but I 'll not stand being threatened.”
He gave a short, dry laugh, as though the conceit of my speech amused him, and said, “Now, to business: I want that mustang.”
“You shall have him, Seth,” said I, “the day he reaches Guajuaqualla, whither I am bound in all haste.”
“I am a-going north,” said Seth, gruffly, “and not in that direction.”
“You can send one of your people along with me, to fetch him back.”
“Better to leave him with me now, and take a hack for the journey,” said he.
This was rather too much for my temper; and I ventured to say that he who was to receive a present should scarcely dictate the conditions accompanying it.
“It's a ransom, boy,—a forfeit,—not a present,” said he, gravely.
“Let us see if you can enforce it, then,” said I, instinctively
“There, now, you're angry again!” said he, with his imperturbable smile; “if we're to have a deal together, let us do it like gentlemen.”