"The deevil kens best," was the reply.
"Then you should know, Bill; for I often think you are his Satanic Majesty incarnate."
"I scarce think I'm worse than you, Jack; at yer years I wur a heap better."
"Stow your abuse. But what, in the fiend's name, has that to do with Juana? I tell you, Bill, I do mistrust that wench. Where hides she now? Heaven forfend she may not have betrayed us!"
The old man laughed.
"That wur a fool's trick. It wur to ruin herself. Nae fears, trust Tony; she ain't the idiot you take her for."
"I will trust no woman! I' faith, I know the sex. If Ned plies his game well he will bring Ellen round to love him yet. G—'s name! she is a fine girl! I am smitten, by Jove! I'll allow it."
"You are a fool, then, not to board her yourself. D—n me if I would have thought, and plotted, and worked for another man's wench."
"There is truth in it; but where the h— is Tony? I have a misgiving we are betrayed."
"Your misgiving be d—d. Tony's as true as steel, and sharp as a slasher."