"If I hand you the paper," said Rob, "what do you propose to do? Would you give it to the Duke?"
Strange checked a smile.
"That depends," said he, "for between ourselves, where the eagle feeds there's poor pickings for the other birds. The truth is, Rob, there are some things you could tell me, and in return I'd do a deal more for you, for I am no an ungenerous man, and it's a dreary prospect, the gibbet."
"It is all that," rejoined Rob, "but I cannot promise until I hear what you want to know."
"That's mair reasonable, Rob—I knew ye were not the foolish ninny that they took ye for. Now listen, Rob; if you will disclose the hiding-place of Lovat and Archibald Cameron, and help us to lay Muckle John by the heels—in return I will see that you are free this very night, and mair, I will no forget ye when the treasure is come to light o' day."
Rob turned sick at the words, but to learn more he simulated interest and nodded his head doubtfully.
"But the Prince," said he.
"In return for Lovat I will spare the Prince."
"You?"
"Who else, for if you consent none but I will ever see the document and its particulars."