"Of course," answered Barney, impatiently, "you know as well as I do, there's nothing else for us to do."
"Ah-ha!" exclaimed Bissell, "you never intended to return to Connecticut."
"Not likely," responded Barney, dryly. "I fancy our necks are worth as much to us as yours is to you."
"Put," Jake hastened to ask, "you vill gif us der extra dousands all der same, eh?"
"You bet he will!" growled Barney.
"Oh, yes," exclaimed Bissell, with alacrity, "I don't care what motives keep you out of that state, or, better still, out of the country. I am only too willing to pay you, so long as you do keep out. And now here's your money. Adding the $2000 it makes $12,000, or $6000 apiece. Pretty good pay for one night's work, eh, boys?"
"No more than we fairly earned, sir," retorted Barney; "though, as you say, there was a little bungling."
"I find no fault, you understand," said Bissell. "Indeed, it was I who set the price, and if it only leads to what I hope and expect it will, I am a good deal more than satisfied."
"The lady has heard of the—the accident?" said Barney inquiringly.
"Ye-yes, I believe she has."