Ashby had been talking with Dolores for some time. He now came forward, Dolores hanging on his arm.
"Sir," said he to "His Majesty," "I suppose we must again consider ourselves your prisoners?"
"Divvle a doubt av it," said "His Majesty," with a wink at Dolores.
"The other time," said Ashby, "you named a ransom, and said that on the payment of that sum you would allow us our liberty. Will you now name a sum again—some sum that I can pay? I engage to have it in less than a week, provided that you send this lady in safety to Vittoria. She can procure the money for me, and until then I shall remain your prisoner."
"Well, that's fair," said "His Majesty."
"Will you do it?"
"Begorra, I will."
"Will you name the sum?"
"I'll think about it."
At this Ashby went back with Dolores to his former position, and they resumed their conversation. But Harry had heard every word, and he now came up, with Katie clinging to him.