"Happy Tom" nodded his agreement. "Certainly! Never send a boy on a man's errand."
"And I don't want you to do it either, Tom, for the same reason."
Slater mumbled some sort of sour acquiescence, but Dan would not be denied.
"You made the offer, and I took it up," he told O'Neil. "Somebody has to make the first move, and I have a particular need for exactly one thousand dollars. If they start a rumpus, it will give us the excuse we're looking for. I've been studying that 'go-devil' through field-glasses for two days now, and I'll guarantee to put it out of commission before Gordon's men know what I'm about. Just forget the reward, if you like, and give me a chance."
"What's your plan?" Slater inquired, eagerly; but Appleton shook his head.
"No you don't, Tommy!" he said. "I'm wise to you."
Murray hesitated briefly, then gave his permission. "I'd rather you'd let one of the rough-necks take the chance, but if you insist—"
"I do."
"Then get your sister's consent—"
Slater swore mournfully, as if from a heart filled with black despair.