“That is to say, you want me to join you in robbing our good master,” said Joseph, fixing his eyes on Tony.
“Call it what you like,” answered Tony, “a few beasts out of the herd won’t be missed every now and then, and we shall get them.”
“No, I’ll have nothing to do with the matter,” said Joseph stoutly, “it’s robbery, call it what you will; and what is more, Peach, if I thought that you were about such a thing, I’d let Mr Ramsay know, as it would be my duty to do. I warn you.”
Peach was very angry, for he had already begun the business, and wanted a mate to help him. He tried to hide his anger, though he made up his mind to be revenged.
“Well, mate, don’t say anything about it. If you don’t think it should be, we’ll let it alone, and no harm will have been done.”
Joseph was not satisfied. He made up his mind to keep a good look-out on the cattle under his charge.
After Peach was gone, he went in to ask old Mat what he thought about the man.
“What has he been saying to you?” asked Mat, looking up from his bed, for he had already turned in. “No good, I’ll warrant.”
Joseph told him.
“That’s just what he said to me some time back; but he found that he would gain nothing, so he’s let me alone since.”