“The ten thousand pounds will be delivered to whoever turns over the paper, and no questions asked, I suppose,” said Wheelock.
“Yes,” laughed Danvers, once more stuffing the packet into the breast pocket of his coat, “but don’t think to make off with it, my lad; I have it safely here, and mean to keep it.”
All this seemed to interest Master Hatfield vastly. He leaned intently forward, and the expression upon his face was eager and alert. Dale nudged Ethan and the latter nodded that he saw this sudden display of attention.
“It will not now be long before the dispatch is in the hands of the ministry at London,” continued Danvers, “if these horses hold out.”
He paused suddenly, for he had caught sight of the intent face of the highwayman and the covetous snap of his eyes. His voice, when he resumed, had fallen much lower; and in a few moments the two left the porch and entered a private room of the inn.
While he ate his supper of capon pie and smacked his lips over his stone mug the gentleman of the road smiled grimly. Ethan and Hale shortly withdrew, and once clear of the room they looked at each other significantly.
“The paper,” said Dale, “will soon be sought by good Master Hatfield, if I am not much mistaken.”
Just then the chuckle-headed attendant at the inn came out and called to a hostler who stood at the stable door.
“What’s wanted?” asked the latter.
“You’re to bring up the carriage for the two gentlemen immediately,” said the other.