“Then look here; take a passenger over for me to-night; and I’ll give you fifty pounds.”
“Fifty pounds, Master Vine?”
“Yes. Be ready; take him safely over, and bring me back word from him that he’s safe, and I’ll pay you a hundred.”
“Will you shake hands on that, master?”
“Will you do it?”
“Do it for you, Master Vine? Why, sir, bless you, we’d ha’ done it for five. But if you tempt poor men wi’ a big lump o’ money like that—Do it? I should think we will.”
“But your partners?” said Louise excitedly.
“Never you mind about them, miss. I’m cap’n of our boat. Where’s our passenger? Lor’, miss, don’t do that.”
The man started, for Louise had caught his rough hand and kissed it.
“I’ll soon bring him to you,” said the old man, with his voice trembling; “but look here, my man—you must ask no questions, you will not be put off, you will not refuse at the last moment?”