"How can that be done if he's with the band?"
"Mighty easy. I'll see that he's sent on a little ahead of the others to guard the road in front, and you must give strict orders that no firing is to be done until this one is safely through the gate. When he hears the first shot he can then look out for hisself, an' let the ones behind do the best they can."
"So you want to come out with a whole skin?" said the Squire, with a keen glance at his visitor.
"I didn't say anything about myself; I said a friend."
"All right! I understand. The man in front is to get away, but the rest are to be bagged. You'll give me the full particulars of the proposed raid tomorrow evening, then?" said the Squire, rising from his chair, to signify that the interview was at an end.
"Yes; an' when I come again, you'll have the rest of the money ready for me?"
The Squire nodded.
"Have it in small bills," the visitor suggested. "I can pass 'em easier."
A few minutes later the front door was closed upon the mysterious visitor, and the Squire came back into the room softly rubbing his hands with apparent satisfaction. Indeed, his next words signified as much.
"Ah! my dear nephew!" he cried, gleefully; "before many more nights have passed I think I will have you in a ticklish position where your love affairs will not run as smoothly as you might wish. Then comes my opportunity."