The only response was the sound of pen on paper. When Peter reappeared he placed the book before his captive and put the pen into his hand. “After you’ve signed,” he said.
Morris grumbled, but with some difficulty affixed his signature to the check for ninety dollars. Peter tore it off and once more presented the book. Morris stared. “What’s this?” he demanded.
“Another one for fifty,” answered Peter, quietly. “Remember your promise.”
“My promise?” cried Morris.
“Certainly. When I got one hundred from you for the crew you were to give me fifty more. Have you enough ink?”
Morris glowered, glancing from Peter’s inexorable countenance to the open check-book. Then he grinned craftily and signed.
“Now you’ve got to untie me,” he said.
Peter folded the two slips carefully and placed them in his pocket. Then he wrote a receipt for one hundred and forty dollars, Morris watching him uneasily.
“Thank you!” said Peter, laying down the receipt. “I am certain that you’ll be glad in the end that you were able to do so much for the crew. I am now going over to the bank”—Morris writhed—“to get these cashed. As soon as possible I’ll return and set you free.”
For a moment Morris fought against fate. Then he capitulated.