“And safe—if the letter is trustworthy, and I think it is. The police can’t do as well—they may 306 fail entirely—and think of the possible consequences! Miss Carrington and Miss Cavendish are very handsome women.”
“My God, yes!” exclaimed the Captain. “Anything but that! If they were men, or children, it would be different—they could take some chances. But women!”—He sank on a chair and covered his face with his hands. “You must let me pay what I am able,” he insisted. “All that I have——”
Croyden let his hand fall sympathizingly on the other’s shoulder.
“It shall be as you wish,” he said quietly. “We will pay, and you can settle with us afterward—our stocks can be converted instantly, you see, while yours will likely require some time.”
The Captain pulled himself together and arose.
“Thank you,” he said. “I’ve been sort of unmanned—I’m better now. Shall you show the detectives the letter—tell them we are going to pay the amount demanded?”
“I don’t know,” said Croyden, uncertainly. “What’s your opinion, Colin?”
“Let them see the letter,” Macloud answered, “but on the distinct stipulation, that they make no effort to apprehend ‘Robert Parmenter’s Successors’ until the women are safely returned. They may pick up whatever clues they can obtain for after use, but they must not do anything which will arouse suspicion, even.” 307
“Why take them into our confidence at all?” asked Croyden.
“For two reasons: It’s acting square with them (which, it seems to me, is always the wise thing to do). And, if they are not let in on the facts, they may blunder in and spoil everything. We want to save the women at the earliest moment, without any possible handicaps due to ignorance or inadvertence.”