"Vas the hoffer a good one?" asked Steel Spring, in a low voice.
"Yes; all that the animals are worth."
"Then do you go at vonce and get the tin, and tell the coveys that you vant them taken off now—this werry evening. The commissioner von't interfere vid the stage company. He knows better."
I thanked Steel Spring for his information, and then whispered, while I placed some gold coins in his hand,—
"Don't you think that you could contrive to let Captain Ross know something in regard to the artillery company?"
"I s'pose you have some veighty reasons for axing me to do it?" the spy replied.
"So weighty, that ten sovereigns will be given to the man who conveys the information."
"Ten sovereigns," repeated the fellow, slowly, as though considering of the matter; "you don't know how it vould hinjure my conscience to sell the secrets of the commissioner."
"I will make them fifteen, then," I answered.
"That is somethin' like. The vork is done, and no mistake. The captain vill have the information. To-morrow I vill come for the shiners."