“But wait; how about Polly? She must remain silent, also.”
“I think I can manage her,” said Barker, with a grin. “I caught her stealing some of the silver plate once, and since that time she has been—well, she’s sort of under my thumb. She won’t dare do anything I forbid her.”
“So much the better. Tell her not to breathe a word, and give her any reason you like.”
“I’ll see to it”, replied Barker. “Were you going to do as handsomely by her as you have promised to do by me?”
“I don’t know. It won’t be necessary now.”
“You might give me her share,” said Barker, with a leer.
“Oh, ho!” laughed Haywood. “You would be getting a double portion in that case.”
“I know it,” replied Barker; and his leer transformed itself into an impudent stare. “But isn’t it worth it to you?”
“To me?” said Haywood, uneasily, for Barker’s humble demeanor had changed to something that looked very much like a disposition to grasp at a real or fancied advantage. “I don’t know as it is to me personally.”
“Oh, sir, I am sure it is. You had better give me the two hundred dollars.”