"I don't think you would," said Martin, surveying his confederate doubtfully, nevertheless.
"No, I don't think I would; but if you sell it yourself, you'll have the affair in your own hands."
"But I might walk off with all the money, too," said Martin, who thought it a poor rule that didn't work both ways.
"I don't think you would," said Smith, "and I'll tell you why. We belong to a large band, that are bound together by a terrible oath to punish any one guilty of treachery. Suppose you played me false, and did as you say,—though of course I know you don't mean it,—I wouldn't give that for your life;" and he snapped his fingers.
"Don't!" said Martin, with a shudder. "You make me shiver. Of course I didn't mean anything. I'm on the square."
"Certainly, I only told you what would happen to you or me, or any one that was false to the others."
"I think I'd rather have you sell the bond," said Martin, nervously.
"If I were in your case, I'd be perfectly willing; but the fact is, the brokers know me too well. They suspect me, and they won't suspect you."
"I think I've had my share of the risk," grumbled Martin. "I don't see but I do the work, and you share the profits."
"Wasn't it I that put you up to it?" demanded Smith. "Would you ever have thought of it if it hadn't been for me?"