'You seem to have a "down" on Dennis lately.'
'He's a precious sight too good for this world,' said Rodney Shaw. 'Thinks such a mighty lot of himself. I'll tell you what, Abe Dalton, I've a piece of work for you to do, if you care to undertake it. It will be a risky job, but you are accustomed to take risks, and I am accustomed to having my own way.'
'What is it?' asked Dalton. 'We can't talk here.'
They went out at the back, and Rodney Shaw said in a low voice,—
'I want that half-caste woman of Jim Dennis's. Can you get her for me? I'll give you a stiff price.'
Abe Dalton laughed as he said, 'She's not worth taking any risks about.'
'Oh, yes, she is, and I have taken a fancy to her. Can you get her?'
'Of course it could be done, but there would be the deuce to pay about it. Besides, you couldn't keep her when you had her. She would go back, and as likely as not Jim Dennis would shoot you or burn your place over your head.'
'I'll risk all that. Can you get her? Your gang ought to be able to manage it.'
'It's a difficult job, but it could be done. What's your price?'