Mr. Stogumber breathed heavily.
“However,” continued John, sternly repressing a twitching lip, “the knowledge is perfectly safe with him. He seems to think that this currency is far too dangerous to be touched.” He watched the effect of this pronouncement, and was satisfied. “What he is anxious to do is to reveal its whereabouts to the proper authorities.”
“Tell him,” said Mr. Stogumber earnestly, “that there’s a fat reward for the cove as does that!”
“He knows it. But what he doesn’t know is how safe it may be for a bridle-cull to meddle in such matters.”
“Who’s to say as he’s a bridle-cull?” demanded Stogumber.
“He never gave me no reason to think he was! Come to think of it, I’d say he weren’t, because he never took nothing off me, and he might have, easy!” He added, after a pause for thought: “Besides which, bridle-culls ain’t none of my business. I’m a Conductor—sent on this task special!”
“Where’s your patrol?” asked John, surprised.
“That’s my business, Capting. Don’t you fret: I can summon my patrol fast enough, even though I don’t see fit to have ’em taking up their quarters in this here village so as everyone can wonder how there come to be so many strangers suddenly wishful to visit Crowford!” said Mr. Stogumber, with asperity.
“Well, you won’t need them,” said John cheerfully. “I am going to be your patrol.”
“Thanking you kindly, sir, I don’t know as I need trouble you.”