Samuel Standish leaned forward and said significantly, “_I want some papers that you are carrying about with you_.”
GERALD was not altogether surprised by what his visitor said. When Standish disclaimed any wish to secure his money, he began to suspect, remembering the confidential meeting with Bradley Wentworth, that it was the papers that were wanted. Desiring to learn what he could of Wentworth’s agency in the matter, he said non-committally, “To what papers do you refer?”
“You know well enough,” answered Standish, winking.
“Perhaps I do. Are you employed by Mr. Wentworth?”
“The gentleman who saved you from being thrown overboard on the steamer.”
“No; but I have some papers that he wants to get possession of.”
“I may as well admit it. Now what have you got to say?”
This inquiry was made in good faith, for Standish had not been taken into confidence by his employer, and he was puzzled to understand why it was that the papers were considered of such importance.
“Because he owes me, as my father’s representative, a large sum of money, and these papers are very important evidence to that effect.”
“How much did you say that he owes you?” asked Standish in a matter-of-fact tone.
“Oh, I beg pardon. I did not suppose it was a secret.”
“I don’t mind telling you that Mr. Wentworth has repeatedly offered me a thousand dollars for the papers.”
“You don’t say so!” ejaculated Standish; “and he only offered me two hundred dollars for them,” he soliliquized. “The boy has given me a valuable hint, which I shall make use of. When the papers are in my possession it will go hard with me if I don’t get more than two hundred dollars for them.”
His only fear was that Gerald would refuse to deliver them to him, and hold them for the large sum promised by Mr. Wentworth.
“You have no further dealings with Mr. Wentworth,” he said hastily. “You must deal with me. But, first, have you the papers with you? You had better answer truly, for if you deny it I shall search you.”
“I have them with me,” answered Gerald briefly.
“Come, we are getting on,” said Standish, delighted to hear this. “Now you will save yourself trouble by handing them over at once.”
“How much are you authorized to give me for them?” asked Gerald demurely.