“It is a child to be carried off,” he said, and then waited for the effect of his words. He saw that they were rather stunning even to these reckless villains.
“A child to be carried off, your honor! that’s not over easy nor yet over safe,” said the dark ruffian.
“Nor are you ever paid handsomely for jobs that are over easy and over safe! But I can tell you one thing—it is not over difficult nor over dangerous.”
“Is it from a house, your honor?” inquired the dark ruffian.
“No, from the streets.”
“Carry off a child from the crowded streets of London, your honor? That seems to be impossible,” put in the red ruffian.
“Hold your tongue, Roger,” said his black brother.
“Now, don’t go quarrel before the gentleman! Manners is manners. If so be, you’re decent men, behave as sich!” put in the crone.
“I only said it was impossible to carry off a child from the streets of London; and I’ll not deceive the gentleman. I’ll stick to it, as it is,” persisted Red Roger, who was called thus by his “pals.”
“You will find that it is very easy. I have studied it out and matured a plan that must be perfectly successful.”