‘Don’t, miss,’ urged Lizzie, shivering.
‘You silly goose! I don’t want you to go. But, I must say, I should like to try the mettle of our friend here.’
‘I beg your pardon, miss; did you mean that for me?’ said Larry quickly.
‘Yes, I did, Barnes. What harm? I should like to see some one who had really seen this ghost, and I’ll give my gold watch chain to the man who will go to Corston Point to-night and bring me a bunch of the samphire that grows upon the top of it.’
Larry’s mind was in a tumult. Some wild idea of rendering himself admirable in Rosa Murray’s eyes may have influenced his decision—or the delight of possessing her watch chain may have urged him on to it. Anyway, he rose up from the floor, and with chattering teeth, but a resolute heart, exclaimed,—
‘I’ll take you at your word, miss. I’ll go to Corston Point and bring you the samphire, and prove to you that Larry Barnes is not a coward.’
‘Larry, Larry, you’ll never do it!’ cried Lizzie.
‘Let me alone, my girl. I’ve made up my mind, and you won’t turn it.’
‘You are a brave fellow, Barnes,’ said Rosa. ‘I believe you’re the only man in Corston that would have taken my wager. And, mind, it’s a bargain. My gold watch chain for your bunch of samphire and news of old Whisker’s ghost.’ She was delighted at the idea of getting him out of the way.
‘But, Larry! Miss Rosa! Think of the danger,’ implored poor Lizzie. ‘Oh, he’ll never come back; I know he’ll never come back.’