"It is well," I replied. Then I waited a second, measuring Benet with my eye. "You have told me that I am a man after your own heart," I continued presently. "You said you could trust me because I could fight. But it seems I must take you on trust. It is ill undertaking a difficult and dangerous piece of work with a man who may be able to do nothing but talk."
His eyes burnt red, a fierce expression flashed across his face.
"Do you say that to me—Benet Killigrew?" he said in tones of angry wonder.
"Yes, to you," I replied, still keeping my eyes steadily upon him. I saw the vexation pass away, and in its place came a look of wild joy.
"You want to know if I can fight—whether I have courage?" he cried eagerly.
"Ah!" I cried in the same tone.
"There is one way you can know," he continued. "Try now, will you?"
He had swallowed my bait without a doubt. He had not even guessed the thought in my mind. In his joy at the thought of battle he had snatched as eagerly at my suggestion as a hungry dog snatches at a bone.
"Yes, it will be well," I replied. "You want me to help you in a dangerous business. You may fail me at a dangerous pinch, for aught I know. You might show the white feather."