"What service is contemplated?"
"An attempt to kill or capture Red Fagin, and release a scout whom I believe he holds prisoner."
"You hope to accomplish all this alone?"
"With the assistance of the sergeant and ten dragoons who came here with me. They are in camp now on the Jersey shore."
He walked across the room, stared out of the window, and then again faced me.
"By Gad, sir, this is a most extraordinary request. Damme, I'd like to get hold of Fagin all right, but I need to know more of your plan, and the reason you have for asking such a detail. It looks foolhardy to my mind."
I went over the situation carefully, watching the effect of my words in the man's face. He sat at the table now, leaning forward eagerly. Arnold had the reputation of a gallant, and my first reference to a young lady aroused him.
"The name, please—you mentioned no name."
"Claire Mortimer, sir."
"Ah! Ah! I remember her well. Danced with her myself. Now go on, sir; I can appreciate the tale better from my recollection of the fair heroine."