Grimsby bowed, and waved his hand in an eloquent manner.
"It will be very acceptable to me just now. One hundred dollars! It seems like a fortune to me. It will do nicely."
Mrs. Hampton rose to her feet, and remained for a few seconds thoughtfully silent. Then she turned toward Grimsby.
"If I give you this money, Gabriel, how can I trust you to keep this secret?"
"I give you my word of honour, madame. Bring the Bible, and I shall swear by it."
Mrs. Hampton gave a deep sigh as she turned toward the door of the house. "I am afraid, Gabriel, that your word of honour isn't worth much, and that the Bible wouldn't make any difference. However, I suppose I shall have to trust you. Just wait a minute."
Grimsby was greatly pleased with himself now. His eyes were turned toward the river, fixed upon the white sail which was much nearer. He had accomplished his object easier than he had expected. In a short time Mrs. Hampton returned, and handed him a roll of bills.
"There, you will find the full amount," she quietly told him. "It is all I have in the house. I hope you are satisfied."
Grimsby was about to speak, when a raucous toot of an auto down the road caused Mrs. Hampton to turn suddenly. At once her face went very white, and she laid her hand heavily upon the man's arm.
"It's John!" she gasped. "Leave at once!"