“But what is going to happen to poor Dodger, the rightful heir?”
“Well, let it be three hundred dollars a year, then.”
“Where is he now?”
“I don’t mind telling you, as it can do no harm. He is in California.”
“Whew! That was smart. How did you get him there?”
“I drugged him, and had him sent on board a ship bound for San Francisco, around Cape Horn. The fact is, I was getting a little suspicious of you, and I wanted to put you beyond the reach of temptation.”
“You are a clever rascal, Curtis. After all, suppose the prize should slip through your fingers?”
“It won’t. I have taken every precaution.”
“When do you want this document?”
“Bring it back to me this afternoon, copied and signed. That is all you have to do; I will attend to the rest.”