“Thank you, sir,” said Hinge.
“Walk quietly with me and listen. I am going to have a try to set that man free. You hear?”
“Yes, sir.”
“And I am going to ask you to help me.”
“Yes, sir.”
“Will you do it?”
“If I can, sir.”
“Very good. Now when can we talk this matter over and get it ship-shape, and see what is to be done?”
“My time's my own, sir,” Hinge answered; “and being mine, sir, it's yours.”
I turned into the deeper recesses of the wood, and Hinge followed me. I had resolved to trust him, and I have never been a believer in half-confidences. I told him the errand which had brought me there. I told him of the countess's early death, and I told him of my meeting with her daughter and of the promise I had made to her. I set before him the fact that, if the venture succeeded and he gave me his aid in it, he would find wealthy friends and protectors. I told him that I was not myself a rich man, but I showed him Miss Rossano's letter and the draft I had for a thousand pounds.