"Maybe you know, may be you do not. I will assume that you do not," was his answer.
I laughed again, for I saw what his answer might mean. Upon this he looked glum for some seconds, and seemed to hesitate as to what steps he should take.
"Look here," he cried presently. "I will admit you are a clever fellow, Trevanion. It is a compliment you paid me, and I will return it. I will not pretend that I came here out of pure desire to set you free. I did not. But I can set you free!"
"Undoubtedly."
"And I will—if you, that is, if you make it worth while."
"You wish to bargain with me, I know," was my answer; "why did you not say so at first? But a bargain assumes quid pro quo."
"Well, I'll give you as much as you give me."
"What will you give?"
"Your liberty."