"Vinal offers it; here it is." And taking a note from his pocket, Speyer read Vinal's proposal to buy the letters.
"Let me see it," said Morton, taking the note from Speyer's hand. "This, of itself, is evidence against him. With your leave, I will keep it. Now hear my offer. Give me the letters, and I will pay your fine. Then go with me to Boston, and I will make Vinal pay you on the spot every dollar that he has offered, on condition that you promise to leave the United States, and never return."
Speyer reflected. He came to the conclusion that Morton did not mean to expose Vinal; but only, like himself, to extort money from him; and wished that he, Speyer, should leave the country in order to get rid of a competitor. Morton's object was quite different. He could not foresee to what extremities Speyer's extortion might drive its victim; and he aimed to check it, by no means out of any tenderness for Vinal, but lest his wife might suffer from its consequences.
Speyer, on his part, fevered with jealousy, was chafing to be at large again.
"When will you pay my fine?"
"Now."
"Then I accept your proposal."
"Can I rely on your promise to leave the country, and make no further drafts on Vinal?"
Speyer cast a glance at him, as if he had read his mind.
"I will promise."