"I will make no terms with you," rejoined Wild, sternly. "You have defied me, and shall feel my power. You have been useful to me, or I would not have spared you thus long. I swore to hang you two years ago, but I deferred my purpose."
"Deferred!" echoed Sheppard.
"Hear me out," said Jonathan. "You came hither under my protection, and you shall depart freely,—nay, more, you shall have an hour's grace. After that time, I shall place my setters on your heels."
"You cannot prevent my departure," replied Jack, dauntlessly, "and therefore your offer is no favour. But I tell you in return, I shall take no pains to hide myself. If you want me, you know where to find me."
"An hour," said Jonathan, looking at his watch,—"remember!"
"If you send for me to the Cross Shovels in the Mint, where I'm going with Blueskin, I will surrender myself without resistance," returned Jack.
"You will spare the officers a labour then," rejoined Jonathan.
"Can't I settle this business, Captain," muttered Blueskin, drawing a pistol.
"Don't harm him," said Jack, carelessly: "he dares not do it."
So saying, he left the room.