“Bla’guards?” said the fellow, inquiringly.
“Yes, yes! the bills.”
“Yes; I saw a bill—two ’underd pound reward—and I’ve come for that there two ’underd pound reward.”
“But your information—what do you know?” broke in Harry.
The man turned and stared at him heavily.
“Ah! I didn’t know you at first, without no hat on; but I knows you now. You was with him once when he came down our way. I seed you then, and I ain’t forgot you. But, first of all, who’s going to pay this here money? Is it you, or is it him?”
“I’ll pay you—I’ll pay you, my man!” exclaimed Sir Francis; “and what is your information?—what do you know?”
“What I know’s worth two ’underd pound now,” said the fellow, winking at Harry; “but if I tells it, then, praps, it won’t be worth nothin’ to me.”
“You are dealing with a gentleman, my good fellow,” said Harry, “and you need be under no apprehension.”
“But how do I know as I shan’t be done?” was the offensive reply. “Nobody don’t trust me nothin’; and I don’t see why I should trust nobody. I’m a plain-spoke sort of a chap, I am; and I allers says what’s in my mind. So now, lookye here—you says as you’ll give two ’underd pound to them as’ll tell you where a tall young man’s gone—that’s it, ain’t it?”