“It is very easy in theory, Preddle,” said Mr Frewen, “but I don’t know that it is going to turn out so satisfactory in practice.”
“Oh, my dear Frewen, don’t throw cold water on the plan, pray,” he cried.
“Not a drop,” said Mr Frewen.
“And you will try?”
“Oh yes; anything that promises success in any shape. We cannot sit still. We must master them.”
“But are you strong enough to try?”
“I’ll make myself strong enough,” said Mr Frewen, quietly.
“Then which board shall we try to loosen first?”
“Hist! some one coming,” I said quickly, and I moved a couple of bottles belonging to Mr Frewen’s store across the little opening, and took down another bottle to remove the stopper and begin sniffing at it as there was a sudden rattling at the door, which was thrown open, and Jarette entered. He left a bodyguard of five or six well-armed men outside, among whom I saw Bob Hampton, and I felt so enraged against him that I fixed him with my eye, but he seemed in no wise abashed, looking boldly back at me, and giving me quite a friendly nod.
“Treacherous brute!” I muttered, and turned away to find Jarette looking at me searchingly.