"That is a good enough reason, certainly," he said.
"And that is the only show you intend to give me?"
"What else can I do? I will give you an equal share with the rest of my men of the plunder we have taken to-day, according to the rate I divide with them, and make you one of us. I can't do any more than that."
"There is no use our trying to fool each other, Captain Joaquin."
"Then you don't believe that I will do what I say?"
"Yes, I believe you will do that, if I say I will accept the proposition."
"Then what is the matter with your accepting it? You would make a fine lieutenant for me, now that poor Hoxey is dead—thanks to that express-messenger."
"I had rather deal openly with you then underhanded, Red Rover," was Dick's response.
"What do you mean?"
"Just what you know—that I am first, last and all the time against birds of your feather, and that were I to accept your offer it would be only to do you a trick at the first opportunity."