“If you don’t come back,” said the interpreter, “this gentleman and the boy will have to take a long journey.”
“Where?” asked Amos Sanderson, with some curiosity.
“To the next world,” answered the interpreter grimly.
“Mr. Cunningham, you will not fail us?” said Sanderson nervously.
“You may rely on me. What do you take me for?”
“I thought perhaps when you found yourself at liberty you would choose to remain so. You have no particular interest in me.”
“Even if that were so, do you think I would leave Bernard exposed to danger?”
“Enough said. I am sure now that you will return. But,” continued the American, who was inclined to be suspicious, “perhaps these gentlemen, when they get the money, will keep us and demand another ransom.”
This was interpreted to the bandits, who looked angry.
“Tell the signor,” said the chief proudly, “that we are men of honor. When we give our word we keep it.”