The stranger bent down and whispered in his ear. Little Tim raised his eyebrows a little, and resumed whittling.
“But,” said he, after a few moments’ vigorous knife-work, “what if I should try, an’ fail?”
“Then you get nothing.”
“Won’t do,” returned the little hunter, with a slow shake of the head. “I’m game to tackle difficulties for love or money, but not for nothin’. You’ll have to go to another shop, stranger.”
“Well, what will you try it for?” asked the agent, who was unwilling to lose his man.
“For quarter o’ the sum down, to be kep’ whether I succeed or fail, the balance to be paid when I hand over the goods.”
“Well, stranger,” returned the agent, with a grim smile, “I don’t mind if I agree to that. You seem an honest man.”
“Sorry I can’t return the compliment,” said Little Tim, holding out his hand. “So cash down, if you please.”
The agent laughed, but pulled out a huge leathern bag, and paid the stipulated sum in good undeniable silver dollars.
The hunter at once made preparation for his enterprise. Meanwhile the agent took up his abode in the Indian village to await the result.