That’s about it, ma’am. It’s a big risk. I might get caught and then money wouldn’t do me much good.”
“Nothing venture, nothing have. You don’t want to be a pauper all your life?”
“No, I don’t,” answered the tramp, with energy. “I’m tired of tramping round the country, sleeping in barns and under haystacks, and picking up meals where I can.”
“Do as I wish and you need never suffer such privations again,” said the tempter.
How much will you give me?” asked Rudolph.
Five hundred dollars down, and five hundred dollars income as long as you live.”
This was good fortune of which Rudolph had not dreamed, but he understood how to make the most of the situation.
It is not enough,” he said, shaking his head.
Not enough!” exclaimed Mrs. Middleton. “Why, it seems to me very liberal. You can live comfortably all your life just for doing one thing.”
“A thing which may bring me to the gallows. It’s all very well to talk, but I can’t risk my neck for that.”