“Because he owes me, as my father’s representative, a large sum of money, and these papers are very important evidence to that effect.”
“How much did you say that he owes you?” asked Standish in a matter-of-fact tone.
“I didn’t say,” returned Gerald.
“Oh, I beg pardon. I did not suppose it was a secret.”
“I don’t mind telling you that Mr. Wentworth has repeatedly offered me a thousand dollars for the papers.”
“You don’t say so!” ejaculated Standish; “and he only offered me two hundred dollars for them,” he soliliquized. “The boy has given me a valuable hint, which I shall make use of. When the papers are in my possession it will go hard with me if I don’t get more than two hundred dollars for them.”
His only fear was that Gerald would refuse to deliver them to him, and hold them for the large sum promised by Mr. Wentworth.
“You have no further dealings with Mr. Wentworth,” he said hastily. “You must deal with me. But, first, have you the papers with you? You had better answer truly, for if you deny it I shall search you.”
“I have them with me,” answered Gerald briefly.
“Come, we are getting on,” said Standish, delighted to hear this. “Now you will save yourself trouble by handing them over at once.”