"Very well," said one of them to Oliver, "the box can stand on the mantel-piece till morning, and then when my uncle comes down he can get it for himself. He must not be disturbed with it to-night; and no doubt it will be safe enough here."
The truth was, they were all justly impressed with the persuasion, that if Mr. Culpepper knew the box to have been all night in their room, he would believe, as a thing of course, that they had opened it by some means, and examined its contents. Servility and integrity rarely go together.
They whispered again, and each advanced towards Oliver, holding out a dollar.
"What is this for?" said Oliver, drawing back.
"We do not wish you," said one of the Lambleys, "to mention to any one that you found us examining this box."
"Why should I mention it?" replied Oliver; "do you suppose I tell everything I see and hear? But what is that money for?"
"For you," said the Lambleys.
"What am I to do for it?"
"Keep our secret."
Oliver started back, coloured to his temples, contracted his brows, and clenching his hands, said, "I think I could beat you all four. I am sure of it. I could knock every one of you down, and keep you there, one after another. And I will; too, if you don't put up that money this instant."