“Nothing, sir; but to a man in my position, with his character as a keen officer at stake; a great deal. Mr Leslie, sir. Has he been back?”
“There, once for all, it’s of no use for you to come and question me, Parkins. I engaged you to track out my niece; you have succeeded, and you may draw what I promised you, and five-and-twenty guineas besides for the sharp way in which you carried it out. You have done your task, and I discharge you. I belong to the enemy now.”
“Yes, sir; but I have the other job to finish, in which you did not instruct me.”
“Look here, Parkins,” said Uncle Luke, taking him by the lapel of his coat, “never mind about the other business.”
“But I do, sir. Every man has some pride, and mine is to succeed in every job I take in hand.”
“Ah! well, look here; you shall succeed. You did your best over it, and we’ll consider it was the last act of the drama when my foolish nephew jumped into the sea.”
“Oh, no, sir. I—”
“Wait a minute. What a hurry you men are in. Now look here, Parkins. I’m only a poor quiet country person, and I should be sorry for you to think I tried to bribe you; but you’ve done your duty. Now go no farther in this matter, and I’ll sell out stock to a hundred pounds, and you shall transfer it to your name in the bank.”
Parkins shook his head and frowned.
“For a nest egg, man.”