"A large sum in specie?" Vanslyperken reflected. "Yes, he would secure Ramsay as a prisoner, and possess himself of the specie if he could. His entrapping Ramsay on board would be another proof of his fidelity and dexterity. But then Vanslyperken thought of the defection of the corporal, but that was of no great consequence. The crew of the cutter dare not disobey him, when they were ordered to seize a traitor."
While Vanslyperken was meditating this, Ramsay fixed his eyes upon him waiting for his reply.
"It will be difficult," observed Vanslyperken, "to get the specie on board without being seen."
"I'm afraid so too, but I have a proposition to make. Suppose you get under way, and--heave to a mile outside, I will then come off in the syndic's barge. I can have the use of it. Then nothing will be discovered."
Vanslyperken appeared to reflect again.
"I shall still run a great risk, Mr Ramsay."
"You will run some little perhaps, but you will be well paid for it, I promise you."
"Well, sir, I consent," replied Vanslyperken. "At what hour do you propose to embark?"
"About eleven or a little earlier. You will have a light over the stern; hail the boat when you see it coming, and I shall answer, 'King's messenger, with despatches;' that will be a blind to your crew--they supposed me a king's messenger before."
"Yes, that will be prudent," replied Vanslyperken, who then took his leave with great apparent cordiality.