I could not say that I should not; for, between fifteen hundred dollars and being beaten to death, I should certainly choose to give up the former.
"I suppose the money you obtained by forgery in St. Louis will be used in buying negroes."
"Humph, Phil! You grow wise."
"A simple matter; my father wrote me that you were suspected."
"Did he, indeed?"
"He seemed to be interested, and I told him all I knew about it."
"If you are ready to tell me now where the money is, I can give you an easier position for the night, Phil," said he, in gentler tones.
"I am not ready," I replied.
"Think well of it, for I shall do all I say I will," said he, leaving the steerage.
I did not doubt it.