Cherrie did not scream; but she gave a gasping cry, and her eyes and mouth opened to their widest extent.
"Going to rob Lady Leroy," repeated Captain Cavendish, looking at her fixedly, and magnetizing her with his powerful glance, "to-morrow night; and I want you to help me, Cherrie."
"But—but they'll put you in prison for it," gasped Cherrie, all aghast.
"No, they won't, with your help. I mean they shall put somebody else in prison for it; not through any dislike to him, poor devil, but to avert suspicion from myself. Will you help me, Cherrie? Remember, you have sworn."
"I will do what I can," shivered poor Cherrie, "but oh! I am dreadfully scared."
"There is no need—your part will be very easy, and to-morrow afternoon you shall leave Speckport forever."
Cherrie's face turned radiant.
"With you, George! Oh, I am so glad! Tell me what you want me to do, and see if I don't do it."
"That is my good little wife. Now then for explanations. Do you know that Lady Leroy has sold Partridge Farm?"
"To Mr. Tom Oaks—yes, and that he is coming up to-morrow to pay her eight thousand pounds for it."