“Oh, now, how be they goin’ to find it out? We hain’t a goin’ to tell on ourselves, be we?”
“But the captain wants to start immediately,” persisted Mr. Mortimer.
“I can’t help that. I shan’t be ready for an hour or two—p’raps more; ’cause I’ve got to go to The Corners arter some good clothes.”
“Then you may stay there, if you choose. I can get along without your assistance.”
“No ye can’t, an’ ye shan’t, nuther,” retorted Jack.
“I shall go without you,” continued Mr. Mortimer, decidedly. “Then what will become of the $200 I promised you?”
Jack approached his guest and placed his lips close to his ear.
“If ye go without me I’ll have the officers of the law on yer track in less’n an hour,” said he, fiercely. “Then what will become of ye? I can say, ye know, that ye offered me money to shove the boy overboard, an’ p’raps ye’ll have to tell some things ye’d rather the world wouldn’t know. Ye’ve got money, an’ ye can keep the boat here as long as ye please.” Then aloud he added: “Ye an’ Julian can step into the house, an’ sit down an’ talk to the ole woman, an’ me an’ the boys will go to the stable an’ feed the hosses. I’ll be back as soon as I get my business done.”
Mr. Mortimer, finding that he was at the mercy of his confederate, was obliged to await his pleasure. He conducted his prisoner into the cabin, while Jack led the horses toward the stable, followed by Jake and Tom.