The secret is yours, if you will have it." "At what price ?" asked Mr.Dinneford, without lifting his eyes.
"One thousand dollars, cash in hand." "On production of the child and proof of its identity ?" Mrs.Bray took time to answer.

"I do not mean to have any slip in this matter," she said.

"It was a bad business at the start, as I told Mrs.
Dinneford, and has given me more trouble than I've been paid for, ten times over.

I shall not be sorry to wash my hands clean of it; but whenever I do so, there must be compensation and security.

I haven't the child, and you may hunt me to cover with all the police hounds in the city, and yet not find him." "If I agree to pay your demand," replied Mr.Dinneford, "it can only be on production and identification of the child." "After which your humble servant will be quickly handed over to the police," a low, derisive laugh gurgling in the woman's throat.
"The guilty are ever in dread, and the false always in fear of betrayal," said Mr.Dinneford.