"Well, sir, do you accept my terms?"
"I do, on one condition."
"Name it."
"It is, that you sign this bond never again to land in America, and to preserve entire silence in regard to the information you have obtained;" and Jaspar read an instrument he had drawn up, to blind the eyes of the overseer.
"I agree to it."
"It is well. But a further difficulty presents itself. I have not so much money in the world. The estate, perhaps you know, consists mostly of real estate, stocks, negroes, &c. I have not five thousand dollars by me."
The overseer looked at Jaspar with a keen, contemptuous glance, as if to read any attempt on his part to dupe him; but the wily planter moved not a muscle.
"Then you cannot, if you would, consummate the bargain?" said he.
"I said not so," returned Jaspar. "I only remarked that a difficulty had presented itself."
"Pray explain yourself."