“This piece of paper that you took comes very near conveying some information, you say, that would be complete if the fragment my cousin has could be obtained. What is that information?”
“You are asking too much now. I can’t tell you; or rather, I won’t.”
“Of what nature is it?”
Snags shook his head and refused to answer.
“Another question,” said Leonard. “If you could obtain it, would my cousin and myself be insured from harm?”
“I don’t know,” replied Snags, slowly. “In fact,” he added, “I don’t know much about the thing yet. I haven’t had time to think, you see. But I will say one thing. There was no plot or intention to kill your uncle. It came quite accidental, but it had to be done.”
“I don’t understand you.”
“Well, never mind. But now I’ve got one thing to ask of you. You must own that I’ve been very frank with you, and now I want you to make a promise. The man that is at the head of this gang now is one Captain Roake; but there’s a boss that’s over us all. I don’t want Captain Roake to know anything about this paper. I prefer to tell the boss about it with my own mouth. So you keep mum. When Roake comes to see you, which he will, don’t let on that you know anything. Just say that you’re the wrong man, which is true, and pretend to be ignorant of what I mean when speaking of the paper. I’ll explain to Roake in my own way. It’ll be better for you and all of us to do as I say. Roake has a temper of his own, and is apt totear around considerable when riled. Will you do as I wish?”
Leonard hesitated.
“Because,” continued Snags, “I’m next in command to Roake, and shall have you in charge. And if you defy me I sha’n’t scruple at emptying this into you.” He extended his pistol.