"Then I'll go and see a lawyer, and he'll tell me what I had better do."
"Even if you succeeded, and got the boy in possession, do you think he would give you any more than I offered?"
This was a consideration which had not occurred to the tramp. He had only thought of punishing the lady for not acceding to his terms. He asked himself, moreover, did he really wish Tony to come into such a piece of good fortune, and that after the boy had been instrumental in having him arrested. No, anything but that! He decided to work for Mrs. Middleton, and make the best terms he could.
"I'll tell you what I'll do ma'am," he said. "I'll say eight hundred dollars down, and the same every year."
To this sum Mrs. Middleton finally agreed.
"You say you know where the boy is?" she asked.
"Yes, ma'am."
"Then there need be no delay."
"Only a little. But I shall want some money. I haven't a penny."